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1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

tb-//f^l 


NARRATIVE 


OF     THE 


TRANSACTIONS,  IMPRISONMENT, 


?-. 


rj; 


l*rl 


AND 


SUFFERINGS, 


O   F 


JOHN     CONNOLLY, 


A   N 


AMERICAN    LOYALIST, 


AND 


Lieutenant-Colonel  in  his  Majesty's  Service. 


IN   WHICH   ARE  SHEWN, 


The  unjustifiable  Proceedings  .f  Congress,  in  his 


Treatment  and  Detention. 


h 


LONDON: 
Printed  in  tlie  Year  mdcclxxxiii. 


'm 


M 


}   !  4' 


NARRATIVE 


OF     THE 


TRANSACTIONS,  IMPRISONMENT. 


AND 


SUFFERINGS, 


O   F 


JOHN     CONNOLLY, 


A    N 


AMERICAN    LOYALIST, 


AND 


Lieutenant-Colonel  in  his  Majesty's  Service. 


IN   WHICH    ARK   SHFAVN, 


9%o 


The  unjustifiable  Proceedings  of  Congress,  in  his 
Treatment  and  Detention. 


LONDON 


Printed  in  tiie  Year  mucclxxxui. 


REPRINTED  FOR 

CHARLES   L.  WOODWARD, 
New  York,  i  889. 


A   NARRATIVE  OF  THE   TRANSACTIONS,   IlirRISONMENT,  AND 

SUFFERINGS  OF  JOHN  CONNOLLY,  AN  AMERICAN  LOYALIST 

ANP   LIEUT,   COL.   IN  HIS   MAJESTY'S  SERVICE. 


There  cannot,  perhaps,  be  a  more  severe  task  imposed 
upon  a  person,  who  has  any  pretensions  to  that  sense  of 
propriety  which  distinguishes  a  delicate  mind,  than  to  be 
obliged  to  relate  a  long  story,  of  which  he  is  himself  the 
subject.  It  has,  however,  always  been  held  excusable  if  the 
incidents  were  extraordinary,  and  it  were  necessary  to  the 
future  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  narrator  they  should  be 
known,  provided  the  tale  were  told  with  modesty  and  truth. 
I  hope  this  gentle  indulgence  will  be  kindly  extended  to 
me,  and  that  the  unavoidable  egotism  that  must  pervade 
this  narrative,  will  be  benevolently  overlooked  in  mercy  to 
the  misfortunes  of  one  who  is  at  least  conscious  of  having 
acted  with  good  intentions,  and  from  principles  which  he 
believed  were  descriptive  of  a  loyal  subject,  an  honest  man, 
and  a  man  of  honour. 

I  was  born  in  America  of  respectable  parents,  and  re- 
ceived as  perfect  an  education  as  that  country  could  afford. 
In  the  early  part  of  life  I  was  bred  to  physic,  the  practice 
of  which  it  was  intended  I  should  pursue ;  my  natural  bent 
of  mind,  however,  determined  otherwise.  It  was  my  am- 
bition to  be  a  soldier ;  and  this  passion  was  so  prevalent 
that,  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  my  friends,  I  went  a  volun- 
teer, while  yet  a  youth,  to  Martinico,  where  I  endeavoured 
to  distinguish  myself,  as  far  as  inexperience  and  an  unim- 
portant station  would  admit.  After  the  peace  of  1762,  the 
North  American  Indians  entered  into  a  general  confederacy 
to  destroy  our  frontier  settlements  and  demolish  the  garri- 
sons. The  British  commander  in  chief  was  obliged  to  send 
an  army  to  repel  these  invaders;  in  which,  once  more  a 

X 


.i.ri 


^17  4^' 


I 


s 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loijalkt. 


volunteer,  I  served  two  campaigns,  at  my  own  private  ex- 
pense ;  and.  as  became  me,  cheerfully  and  ambitiously  en- 
countered the  dangers  and  fatigues  of  war.  Here  I  had  an 
opportunity  of  observing  the  great  difierence  between  the 
petite  guerre  of  the  Indians,  and  the  military  system  of  the 
Europeans,  and  how  essentially  necessary  it  was  for  a  good 
soldier  in  this  service  to  be  master  of  them  both.  Ani- 
mated by  a  strong  desire  to  make  myself  worthy  to  serve 
my  King  and  country  on  future  occasions,  after  peace  was 
established  with  the  Indians,  I  explored  our  newly  ac- 
quired territory,  visited  the  various  tribes  of  native  Ameri- 
cans, studied  their  different  manners  and  customs,  under- 
took the  most  toilsome  marches  with  them  through  the 
extensive  wilds  of  Canada,  and  depended  upon  the  pre- 
carious chace  for  my  subsistence  for  months  successively. 
A  perseverance  in  these  preliminary  duties  of  a  good  sol- 
dier taught  me  to  endure  hardships,  and  gave  me  agility  of 
body,  and  an  aptitude  to  enterprize,  very  proper  to  form  a 
partizan  officer. 

Delighted  vdth  the  soil  and  climate,  I  afterwards  fixed 
my  residence  beyond  the  Apalachian  mountains  in  West 
Augusta  county,  and  as  numbers  were  daily  emigrating 
thither  from  the  middle  Colonies,  I  was  active  in  encour- 
aging the  new  settlers ;  these  soon  acquired  property,  the 
spirit  of  industry  increased,  cultivation  and  improvements 
were  extended,  and  establishments,  scarcely  credible,  arose 
from  the  midst  of  a  wilderness,  and  spread  for  more  than 
one  hundred  miles  down  the  river  Ohio.  To  be  at  the  head 
of  a  new  settlement  was  not  the  only  object  I  had  in  view. 
During  the  preceding  war,  France  had  sent  her  soldiers 
from  Canada,  and  by  seizing  this  country,  and  erecting 
Fort  Du  Quesne  (now  Fort  Pitt)  had  given  great  disturbance 
to  Virginia,  and  the  Middle  Colonies  in  general.  This  new 
settlement  precluded  the  possibility  of  renewing  the  like 
ravages  from  Louisiana,  now  the  only  avenue  through 
which  we  were  vulnerable,  in  case  of  future  hostilities  with 
the  House  of  Bourbon.  I  had  been  taught  from  my  earliest 
infancy  to  revere  my  King  and  country,  and  provide  against 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


8 


their  enemies :  I  had  here  an  opportunity  of  performing  my 
duty,  and  I  was  happy. 

In  the  infancy  of  the  settlement,  the  magistrates  of  Penn- 
sylvania usurped  a  power  of  jurisdiction  that  was  not  only 
illegal  but  extremely  prejudicial  to  the  inhabitants;    to 
preserve  which,  they  proceeded  to  many  very  unjustifiable 
acts  of  violence,  and  went  even  so  far  as  to  threaten  an  ap- 
peal to  the  sword.    I  was  the  person,  who  having  the  most 
power,  had  the  greatest  share  in  procuring  a  redress  of 
these  grievances.    I  was  sensible  the  Charter  limits  of  the 
Province  of  Pennsylvania  could  not  justify  the  exercise  of 
jurisdiction  beyond  the  Western  bounds  of  that  govern- 
ment ;  and  therefore  applied  to  the  Governor  and  Council 
of  Virginia,  and  obtained  the  necessary  authority  to  pro- 
hibit such  usurpation,  until  his  Majesty's  royal  pleasure  was 
known.    These  things  are  mentioned,  not  to  display  my 
own  merits  or  consequences,  but  because  they  are  necessary 
to  the  narrative ;  for  though  it  was  my  endeavour,  through- 
out this  transaction,  to  conduct  myself  with  a  dispassionate 
and  candid  regard  to  justice  only,  yet,  as  it  was  prejudicial 
to  the  pecuniary  interests  of  some  individuals  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, they  became  my  enemies,  among  whom,  was  a  Gen- 
tleman since  advanced  to  high  military  rank  in  the  Ameri- 
can service. 

In  the  year  1774,  disputes  arose  between  the  Indians  and 
some  inconsiderate  people,  who,  it  appeared  from  every  cir- 
cumstance, had  treated  the  former  in  a  very  harsh  and  im- 
proper  manner;  reciprocal  injuries  took  place,  and  the  in- 
dustrious and  meritorious  husbandman,  with  his  innocent 
family,  suftered  for  the  injustice  committed  by  his  unprinci- 
pled countrymen.  I  was,  at  that  time,  invested  with  the 
command  of  the  militia ;  it  was,  therefore,  my  peculiar  duty 
to  avert,if  possible,  a  war  that  threatened  the  destruction  of 
a  flourishing  Colony,  and  every  endeavour  at  pacification 
was  employed  by  me,  but  unhappily  without  effect.  Depre- 
dations continued,  and  the  defenceless  inhabitants  fled  from 
the  vengeance  of  their  enraged  enemies.  However,  in  obe- 
dience to  the  orders  of  his  excellency  Lord  Dunmore,  I  raised 


i 


4  Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 

a  body  of  men  sufficient  to  cover  the  frontier,  and  by  a 
chain  of  small  forts  repelled  the  violence  of  their  incursions. 
Hostilities  did  not  end  here;  other  Indian  nations  joined  the 
confederacy,  and  the  war  became  more  important.  Two 
small  armies  were  marched  into  the  enemies'  country,  as  the 
sole  means  of  eflecting  a  speedy  and  permanent  reconcilia- 
tion. Lord  Dunmore,  in  person,  commanded,  and  a  battle, 
the  most  important  that  ever  happened  on  a  similar  occa- 
sion, in  North  America,  was  fought,  in  which  the  Indians 
were  totally  routed,  pursued  to  their  towns,  and  reduced  to 
the  necetoity  of  giving  hostages  for  the  accomplishment  of 
a  treaty  of  peace  entered  into  by  them,  and  which  was  to 
hav3  been  finally  ratified  the  ensuing  Spring  at  Pittsburgh. 
I  cannot  speak  in  terms  sufficiently  expressive  of  the  admi- 
ration with  which  the  whole  army  beheld  Lord  Dunmore, 
during  this  expedition.  His  conduct  was  exemplary  to  the 
officer  and  the  soldier:  he  chearfully  encountered  every 
hardship,  waded  through  every  creek,  and  marched  with 
his  men  upwards  of  Four  hundred  miles  on  foot.  He 
preserved  the  dignity,  by  fulfilling  the  duties  of  his 
station. 

In  the  course  of  the  contest,  the  principal  warriors  and 
chiefs  were  made  prisoners,  and  committed  to  my  charge  at 
Fort  Pitt,  where,  after  the  expedition,  I  had  the  honour  to 
command  some  Colony  troops  as  Major  Commandant.  I 
have  before  spoken  of  the  efforts  I  had  used  to  qualify  my- 
self for  the  profession  of  arms ;  and  I  had  now  the  satisfac- 
tion to  meet  every  honourable  testimony  of  applause  for  my 
behaviour  in  the  Indian  war,  both  from  his  excellency  Lord 
Dunmore  and  my  fellow-subjects. 

Although  Congress  had  assembled  themselves  in  Septem- 
ber 1774,  yet  as  that  was  about  the  time  I  was  going  into 
the  Indian  country,  my  mind  was  so  intent  upon  the  war,  I 
paid  but  little  regard  to  political  heats  which  every  loyalist 
imagined  would  soon  subside ;  but  on  my  return,  the  inti- 
mations of  my  friends,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  disaf- 
fected, gave  me  the  first  unhappy  presages  of  the  ensuing 
commotions.     These  were  greatly  heightened  by  the  follow- 


Narrative  of  John  Qmnolly,  Loyalist.  6 

ing  letter,  which  I  received  from  General  Washington,  in 
answer  to  one  I  had  written  to  him  on  Indian  afiairs. 

Mount-Vernon,  Feb.  26, 1775. 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  servant,  on  his  return  from  Williamsburg,  aflfords 
me  occasion  to  answer  your  polite  letter.    I  confess  the  state 
of  affairs  is  sufficiently  alarming ;  which  our  critical  situa- 
ation,  with  regard  to  the  Indians  does  not  diminish :  but  as 
you  have  wrote  to  Lord  Dunmore,  relative  to  the  prisoners 
under  your  charge,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  his  Lordship's 
having  now  transmitted  you  the  necessary  directions  on  that 
subject.     I  have  only  to  express  my  most  ardent  wishes  that 
every  measure,  consietent  with  reason  and  sound  policy,  may 
be   adopted  to  keep  those  people,  at  this  time,  in  good 
humour ;  for  another  rupture  would  not  only  ruin  the  ex- 
ternal, but  internal  parts  of  this  government.     If  the  jour- 
nal of  your  proceedings  in  the  Indian  war  is  to  be  published, 
I  shall  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  what  I  have  long 
coveted.     With  us  here,  things  wear  a  disagreeable  aspect ; 
and  the  minds  of  men  are  exceedingly  disturbed  at  the 
measures  of  the  British  government.     The  King's  Speech 
and  Address  of  both  Houses,  prognosticate  nothing  favour- 
able to  us ;  but  by  some  subsequent  proceedings  thereto,  as 
ivell  as  by  private  letters  from  London,  there  is  reason  to  be- 
lieve, the  Ministry  would  willingly  change  their  ground, 
from  a  conviction  the  forcible  measures  will  be  inadequate 
to  the  end  designed.    A  little  time  must  now  unfold  the 
mystery,  as  matters  are  drawing  to  a  point. 
I  am,  dear  sir, 

your  friend,  and  most  obedient 

humble  servant, 

G.  Washington. 
Major  Connolly, 

Fort  Pitt. 

This  letter  spoke  in  plain  terms  the  spirit  of  its  dictator, 
and  the  intelligence  I  received  from  all  quarters  confirmed 
my  apprehensions.    And  here  I  have  the  consolation  to 


*  'ill 


6 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


reflect,  that  ray  loyalty  to  my  Prince,  and  respect  for  the 
established  form  of  government,  were  too  confirmed  to 
admit  of  the  least  doubt  which  party  I  should  espouse ;  I 
decided  instantly,  and  resolved  to  exert  every  faculty  in 
defence  of  the  royal  cause ;  from  which  resolution  not  one 
idea  has  ever  swerved,  although  my  succeeding  misfor- 
tunes left  me  only  the  inclination,  while  it  deprived  me  of 
the  power  to  execute.  At  this  time,  indeed,  I  had  better 
prospects ;  for  notwithstanding  that  those  illegal  assemblies, 
called  county  committees,  had  generally  pervaded  the  thir- 
teen Provinces,  I  had  influence  enough,  not  only  to  prevent 
any  such  a^  Ny  in  West  Augusta  county,  where  I  pre- 
sided, but ;  T  to  engage  a  formidable  body  of  friends, 
at  the  risk  j  and  fortune,  in  support  of  the  constitu- 
tional authority. 

The  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill  had  now  been  fought,  and 
the  flames  of  rebellion  began  openly  to  blaze.  I  had  written 
to  Lord  Dunmore  for  instructions  respecting  my  conduct, 
who,  I  found, would  be  obliged  to  quit  his  government;  and 
received  for  answer,  that  he  advised  me  to  disband  the 
troops,  at  the  time  limited  by  act  of  assembly,  that  they 
might  have  no  cause  of  complaint  on  that  head;  that  I 
should  convene  the  Indians  to  a  general  treaty,  restore  the 
prisoners,  and  endeavour  to  incline  them  to  espouse  the 
royal  cause.  This  last  proved  a  most  hazardous  enterprize, 
though  not  therefore  relinquished;  for  the  assembly  of 
Virginia,  having  resolved  the-  aselves  into  an  unwarrantable 
convention,  finding  I  had  invited  the  contiguous  Indian 
tribes  to  a  general  congress  at  Fort  Pitt,  deputed  a  commit- 
tee of  their  own  body  to  inspect  my  conduct.  These  people 
were  ordered  to  impress  upon  the  minds  of  the  Indians,  the 
justice  of  the  hostile  proceedings  against  this  country,  and 
the  necessity  of  arming  as  a  preliminary  to  the  intended 
requisition  of  their  auxiliary  aid  in  future.  This  was  the 
direct  contrary  to  what  it  was  my  duty,  if  possible,  to  effect ; 
and,  narrowly  as  I  was  watched,  I  had  the  happiness  to 
succeed  in  this  dangerous  and  critical  undertaking. 

This  was  owing  to  my  superior  knowledge  of  Indian 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyaliet.  7 

manners  and  tempers,  and  the  measures  I  had  previously 
taken.    I  had  most  assiduously  cultivated  the  friendship, 
and  insinuated  myself  into  the  favour  of  my  prisoners; 
had  convinced  them  of  the  advantages  that  might  accrue  to 
their  nations,  by  adhering  to  the  British  governraent;  and 
procured  their  promises  to  negotiate  the  business  with  their 
brethren,  which  they  punctually  performed.     Thus  I  se- 
cretly frustrated  the  machinations  of  the  Republicans,  while 
I  received  their  thanks,  and  procured  assurances  from  the 
Indian  chiefs  to  support  his  Majesty,  at  all  events,  as  his 
Majesty's  most  faithful  friends  and  auxilliaries ;  ae.  a  proof 
of  which,  I  was  authorized  to  transmit  a  large  belt  of  wam- 
pum to  Lord  Dunmore,  from  him  to  be  sent  to  his  Majesty, 
as  a  symbol  of  their  inviolable  attachment  to  his  royal  per- 
son.    This  public  transaction  employed  a  fortnight,  at  the 
end  of  which  I  dismissed  the  Indians  perfectly  satisfied  and 
informed ;  having  first  added  an  additional  and  considerable 
present  out  of  my  private  fortune,  to  what  had  been  pub- 
licly voted  for  that  purpose. 

The  troops  lately  under  my  command  were  now  dis- 
banded, the  demagogues  of  faction  were  active,  the  spirit 
of  sedition  was  every  where  prevalent,  and  distrust  of  each 
other  pervaded  hearts  the  most  loyal.     But  as  nothing 
great  or  good  could  be  effected  in  times  like  these  with- 
out risk,  I  considered  only  what  plan  was  best  at  such 
conjuncture;  and  having  determined,  resolved  to  act  with 
vigor,  as  a  temporizing  neutrality  was  neither  consistent 
with  my  principles  nor  my  passions.    My  design  briefly 
was,  first  to  engage  as  many  gentlemen  of  consequence 
as  possible  to  join  with  me  in  defence  of  government, 
and  afterwards  to  make  my  way  through  the  country, 
visit  Lord  Dunmore,  who  was  now  driven,  for  personal 
safety,  on  board  a  ship  lying  at  Norfolk,  consult  with  him, 
and  take  his  instructions  concerning  the  most  effectual 
mode  I  and  my  adherents  could  pursue  to  serve  his  Majesty. 
I  began  by  inviting  such  of  my  friends  as  I  could  best  de- 
pend on  to  an  entertainment,  where,  as  public  disturbances 
were  now  the  universal  topic,  little  address  was  necessary 


iiL 


m 


§  Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 

to  introduce  such  discourse.  Encouraged  by  an  unanimity 
of  opinion,  each  man  delivered  his  sentiments  freely ;  and 
as  I  found  them  universally  enraged  against  the  arbitrary 
proceedings  of  the  Republican  party,  I  ventured  to  predict, 
that  nothing  less  than  independency,  and  a  total  revolution, 
were  intended  by  the  leaders  of  faction,  whatever  might  be 
their  pretentions.  My  friends  were  men  warmed  with  a  high 
veneration  for  his  Majesty,  and  the  constitution  ;  and  as  the 
conversation  operated  as  I  could  wish,  I  found  means  to 
take  some  of  the  most  confidential  aside,  and  inform  them 
of  my  plan,  of  my  resolution  to  execute  it  at  the  hazard  of 
life  and  fortune,  and  of  my  expectation  of  their  hearty  con- 
currence and  aid.  The  gentlemen  present  were  most  of 
them  either  officers  in  the  militia,  or  magistrates  of  the 
county,  consequently  were  those  whose  influence  and  wealth 
could  most  effectually  serve  the  cause.  A  solemn  compact 
was  immediately  entered  into,  stating,  that  if  an  accommo- 
dation did  not  take  place,  and  I  could  procure  the  necessary 
authority  to  raise  men,  they  would,  at  the  risk  of  life  and 
property,  most  willingly  engage  to  restore  the  constitutional 
authority,  as  far  as  any  co-operative  measure  from  that 
county  could  contribute  to  so  salutary  a  design,  after  which 
the  strictest  secrecy  was  enjoined,  and  the  company  separated. 
The  circumspection  and  art  necessary  to  escape  to  Lord 
Dunmore,  occasioned  some  preparatory  delay;  and  the 
tbllomng  incident,  which  will  give  a  lively  picture  of  the 
anarchy  of  the  times,  made  this  delay  still  greater.  Two 
uights  before  my  intended  departure,  my  servant  entered 
my  room  after  midnight,  to  inform  me  that  an  express  was 
just  arrived,  with  dispatches  from  Lord  Dunmore,  and  de- 
sired admittance.  I  ordered  him  to  be  brought  in,  and  im- 
mediately a  man  followed  my  s  ..'vant  in  a  travelling  dress, 
with  a  packet  in  his  hand.  I  drew  my  curtain,  received  it, 
and  was  breaking  open  the  seal,  when  the  villain  seized  me 
by  the  throat,  presented  a  pistol  at  my  breast,  told  me  I  was 
his  prisoner,  and,  if  I  offered  the  least  resistance,  a  dead 
man.  I  had  been  so  long  learning  to  despise  danger,  and 
acquire  fortitude,  that  I  was  not  easily  to  be  intimidated. 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


9 


I  rightly  suspected  he  had  accomplices,  so  leaping  up,  I 
drove  the  fellow  back,  seized  him,  and  while  struggling 
gave  the  door  a  kick,  and  shut  it  by  the  spring-lock.  I 
called  to  my  servant  for  my  sword  or  pistols;  but  to  his 
stupefaction,  it  is  probable,  I  owe  my  present  existence ;  for 
though  I  should  have  killed  ray  antagonist  in  self-defence,  I 
should  have  fallen  the  immediate  martyr  of  revenge.  My 
door  was  quickly  burst  open  by  his  armed  coadjutors,  about 
twenty  in  number ;  and  the  contest  becoming  unequal,  I 
was  compelled  to  submit  myself  their  prisoner.  I  was 
scarcely  allowed  tim.e  to  dress,  my  servants  were  secured  ;  I 
was  mounted  on  a  horse  brought  for  the  purpose,  hurried 
away,  and  obliged  to  ride  all  night  at  the  risk  of  my  neck, 
till  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when  I  found  myself 
at  Ligonier,  fifty-four  miles  from  Pittsburgh. 

I  soon  learnt  I  was  in  the  power  of  my  inveterate  enemy, 
the  commander  of  the  militia,  and  principal  man  of  the 
place ;    who  had  taken  this  opportunity  of  wreaking  his 
malice,  under  pretence  of  seizing  a  dangerous  person  and  a 
Tory,  an  appellation  lately  revived,  and  given  by  the  repub- 
licans to  the  loyalists ;  and  which  the  common  people  were 
taught  to  hold  in  such  abhorrence,  that  Tory  was,  in  their 
imaginations,  synonimous  to  every  thing  vile  and  wicked. 
My  only  hope,  and  that  a  very  distant  one,  was,  a  rescue  by 
my  friends ;  and  as  I  was  informed,  that  I  was  suspected  of 
an  intention  to  raise  a  body  of  men  to  act  against  the  liber- 
ties of  America,  to  answer  which  accusation  I  must  imme- 
diately be  sent  to  Congress,  I  found  I  could  only  escape,  by 
gaining  time,  and  protracting  a  journey  so  destructive  to  all 
my  future  designs.     The  agitation  of  mind  unavoidable  in 
such  times,  and  under  such  circumstances,  with  the  fatigue 
of  such  a  jaunt,  had  brought  on  a  slight  indisposition,  which 
I  purposely  magnified,  and  prevailed  on  the  gentleman  in 
whose  custody  I  was,  to  suft'er  me  to  go  to  bed ;  where  by 
continuing  the  same  pretence,  I  remained  all  day,  and  when 
night  came  was  indulged  with  a  farther  respite  till  the  next 
morning.     My  wish  was,  that  ray  friends,  who  had  the  cause 
of  royalty  as  well  as  friendship  at  heart,  would  gain  the 


h\ 


11 


|®r  Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 

passes    of   the    Lawrel-hill    [Laurel-Hilla]    or    Allegheny 
mountains,  and  there  effect  my  rescue. 

In  the  morning,  when  we  had  breakfasted,  the  guard  had 
mounted,  and  I  reluctantly  on  the  point  of  setting  out  for 
Philadelphia,  a  man  on  horseback  arrived  at  Ligonier  from 
the  mountains,  who  had  apparently  rode  very  hard.    He 
was  stopped  by  the  Captain  of  the  guard,  and  I  soon  per- 
ceived, by  their  whispers  and  change  of  countenance,  he 
brought  intelligence  they  did  not  like ;  and  almost  at  the 
same  instant,  another  person  was  seen  coming,  with  the 
greatest  expedition,  in  the  contrary  direction  from  Pitts- 
burgh, whom  I  soon  knew  to  be  one  of  my  neighbours, 
though  not  perfectly  satisfied  at  that  time  of  his  loyalty.    To 
me  these  were  favourable  omens,  and  my  conjectures  were 
quickly  confirmed,  by  the  arrival  of  the  Gentleman  who 
planned  and  directed  this  expedition,  and  who  now  saluted 
me  very  civilly,  entered  into  conversation,  spoke  of  the  dis- 
agreeable prospect  of  civil  war,  and  the  unjustifiable  at- 
tempts of  the  British  legislature ;  which  supposition  I  re- 
pelled, as  far  as  the  delicacy  of  my  situation  would  permit- 
Happening  to  pass  through  the  kitchen  of  the  public 
house  where  we  were,  one  of  the  maids  followed  me  out, 
and  informed  me,  that  a  considerable  body  of  my  friends 
were  waiting  at  the  Lawrel-hill,  who  had  vowed  to  put 
every  man  to  the  sword  whom  they  should  find  guarding 
me,  and  afterwards  to  burn  down  the  house  of  the  princi- 
pal, in  reveng  ^  for  such  a  lawless  outrage.    This  intelligence 
perfectly  explained  appearances,  and  gave  me  boldness,  so 
that  when  I  re-entered,  I  presently  came  to  an  eclairciseement 
with  my  enemy.    I  observed  to  him,  that  his  conduct  seemed 
to  precipitate  the  horrors  of  civil  dissention,  and  that  his 
having  recourse  to  an  armed  force  to  remove  me  out  of  my 
own  country,  in  so  hostile  and  suspicious  a  manner,  could  not 
fail  to  awaken  the  resentment  of  my  friends,  who,  undoubt- 
edly, on  such  a  pressing  occasion,  would  have  recourse  to 
force  also,  and  repel  violence  by  violence:  I  added,  that  it  was 
mutually  our  duty  to  suppress,  not  encourage  such  proceed- 
ings, for  they  were  indubitably  big  with  the  most  dreadful 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


11 


calamities.  The  conclusion  was,  I  was  permitted  to  return 
home,  and  very  gladly  took  my  leave.  I  had  not  yet,  how- 
ever, passed  the  boundaries  of  danger.— 

I  had  not  proceeded  far  on  my  return,  before  I  met  one  of 
my  servants  with  a  led  horse,  and  a  portmanteau  of  cloaths 
for  my  use,  in  case  I  had  been  taken  to  Philadelphia.    He 
informed  me  of  several  persons  he  had  seen  assembled  at 
Hannah's  Town,  whose  political  characters  were  the  reverse 
of  mine,  and  that  he  suspected  they  intended  me  some  in- 
jury; and  accordingly  we  presently  saw  three  persons  ap- 
proach, whom  I  knew  to  be  Magistrates  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  whom  I  had  some  time  before  been  under  the  necessity 
of  arresting  and  holding  to  bail,  because  they  would  persist 
to  execute  their  magisterial  functions  beyond  the  limits  of 
their  own  province  and  county,  (as  related  in  the  beginning 
of  this  narrative),  very  much  to  the  prejudice  of  his  Majesty's 
subjects  in  the  colony  of  Virginia.     These  Gentlemen,  who 
were  accompanied  by  the  Sheriff,  after  a  hasty  salute,  ar- 
rested  me  on  a  writ  of  twenty  thousand  pounds  damages, 
for  having  confined  their  persons.    They  proposed  returning 
to  Ligonier  with  me  ;  to  this  I  objected,  alledging,  that  the 
action  was  of  so  strange  a  nature,  I  would  not  give  bail,  but 
insisted  on  being  taken  to  the  county  gaol,  which  was  near 
my  own  home  and  friends. 

My  partizans  having  heard  of  my  release  at  Ligonier, 
and  not  suspecting  any  farther  attempts,  were  satisfied  and 
dispersed,  and  remained  quiet  two  or  three  days;  but  when 
they  heard  I  was  again  detained  at  Hannah's  Town,  under  a 
fresh  pretext,  they  were  greatly  enraged,  and  were  only 
prevented  from  proceeding  to  extremities,  by  the  prudence 
of  a  few  individuals.    A  letter  waa,  however,  immediately 
sent  from  the  senior  Magistrate  of  the  county,  over  which 
I  had  the  honor  to  preside,  to  the  committee  of  Westmore- 
land county,  written  in  a  firm  but  proper  tone,  demanding 
my  release.    This  had  instantly  the  desired  effect,  and  I 
was  at  length  allowed  to  return  to  Pittsburg,  where  I  was 
met  by  a  great  number  of  my  adhorerts,  armed,  and  im- 
patiently waiting  the  issue.    My  gra.      ^e  and  feehngs  at 


Iti 


i 


m 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


the  firmness  of  their  attachment  were  powerful,  and  after 
returning  them  my  thanks  in  the  most  expressive  manner  I 
could,  they  again  dispersed. 

I  have  not  related  these  incidents,  hecause  they  are  not 
only  descriptive  of  the  factious  spirit  that  prevailed,  and 
how  plausibly  private  pique  could  assume  the  appearance 
of  public  spirit,  but  tend  likewise  to  show,  that  formidable 
as  the  republican  party  was,  the  loyalists  were  not  less  so ; 
and  that  had  it  not  been  for  the  after  impediment,  of  a 
long  and  rigorous  imprisonment,  I  should  undoubtedly  have 
had  the  power,  by  collecting,  encouraging,  and  heading 
my  friends,  to  have  served  my  king  and  couniry  most  essen- 
tially. 

Once  more  at  liberty,  I  had  now  to  pursue  my  plan  of 
visiting  Lord  Dunmore;  but  the  distance  I  had  to  travel, 
and  the  lawless  and  suspicious  temper  of  the  times,  made 
this  no  easy  matter.  The  treaty  which  I  had  concluded 
with  the  Indians,  gave  me  ostensible  business  to  the  Com- 
mittee at  Winchester ;  and  the  better  to  hide  my  intentions, 
I  prevailed  with  three  of  the  Indian  Chiefs  to  accompany 
me  thither,  carrying  with  me  a  copy  of  the  treaty,  calculated 
for  the  inspection  of  the  President  and  Convention  assem- 
bled at  Richmond.  I  travelled  about  one  hundred  and 
eighty  miles  from  Fort  Pitt,  till  I  came  to  the  warm  springs 
in  Frederick  county,  without  any  remarkable  occurrence. 
Here  I  met  a  great  concourse  of  Gentlemen  from  the  difler- 
ent  governments,  who  delivered  sentiments  very  opposite 
to  mine ;  but  though  I  had  the  caution  not  to  contradict, 
notwithstanding  that  I  heard  the  grossest  falsehoods  indus- 
triously propagated,  yet  my  silence  was  construed  into  dis- 
sension, and  I  was  given  to  understand,  I  was  a  suspected 
person,  and  that  it  had  been  proposed  to  form  a  committee 
to  enquire  into  my  conduct  and  intentions.  Though  his 
arbitrary  examination  was  dropped,  I  learnt,  that  several 
Gentlemen  had  written  to  the  Committee  at  Winchester, 
describing  me  as  a  suspicious  and  dangerous  character.  I 
determined,  however,  to  proceed;  and  concluded,  that  if 
I  could  escape,  with  plausibility,  this  one  more  difficulty, 


Narratire  of  John  Connolly,  Loyaluit. 


la 


I  might  obtain  some  ccrtiticate  of  the  satisfaction  my  con- 
duct had  given  this  newly  erected  tribunal,  which  might 
serve  as  a  passport  tlirough  the  remainder  of  my  journey. 

The  day  after  I  arrived,  the  expected  scrutiny  took  place, 
and  I  found  not  only  the  letters  written  from  the  susiiicious 
valetudinarians  of  tlie  warm  springs,  hut  one  come  express 
from  the  clerk  of  the  county  where  I  myself  presided,  re- 
plete with  assurances  to  the  committee,  of  my  dangerous 
and  Tory  principles;  and  expressive  of  a  conviction,  that  I 
intended  to  join  Lord  Dunmore,  and  meditated  every  op- 
position to  the  laudable  purposes  then  adopted  for  the  sup- 
pression of  tyranny.     To  men  entlamed  with  enthusiastic 
ideas  of  infringed  rights,  this  was  a  charge  most  criminal : 
I  endeavoured  to  avert  and  soften  it,  by  declaring,  first,  in 
general  terms,  that  though  my  reverence  for  the  King  and 
Constitution  might,  at  some  moments,  possibly  have  be- 
trayed me  into  expressions  reflecting  on  certain  proceedings, 
which  I  could  not  help  dreading,  might  plunge  our  unhappy 
country  into  all  the  horrors  of  a  civil  war,  yet  I  had  ever 
exerted  myself  to  the  utmost  extent  of  my  abilities  for  the 
public  good,  in  all  affairs  which  I  had  been  deemed  worthy 
to  transact :  that  I  flattered  myself,  the  treaty  and  proceed- 
ings with  the  Indians,  now  open  for  their  inspection,  would 
vouch  for  my  assertions :  that  with  respect  to  letters  and 
suspicions,  they  were  no  proofs ;  and  that  the  letter  most 
positive  in  accusation,  came  from  a  person  not  instigated  by 
a  love  of  justice  and  his  country,  but  by  motives  far  less 
praiseworthy,  of  which  I  gave  them  satisfactory  and  notori- 
ous proofs. 

And  now  an  incident  happened,  that  turned  the  scale  en- 
tirely in  my  favour,  for  just  as  the  Clerk  of  the  Committee 
had  finished  reading  the  Indian  treaty,  an  express  arrived 
with  dispatches  from  the  President  of  the  Convention,  held 
at  Richmond,  containing  not  only  entire  approbation  of  my 
conduct,  in  the  beforementioned  Indian  treaty,  of  which 
the  Commissioners,  sent  to  inspect  and  assist,  had  given  an 
account,  but  likewise  a  polite  and  complimentary  letter  from 
the  President  to  me,  expressing  a  desire  to  see  me  along 

2 


'i\ 


M 


Narrative  of  John  Connolh),  Loyalist. 


P  i 


I  L 


with  the  Indian  Chiefs.  Thia  produced  everything  I  could 
wish.  The  Clerk  was  ordered  to  give  me  a  copy  of  a  re- 
solve, signifying  their  entire  satisfiu.'tion,  at  my  good  and 
ahle  conduct,  and  their  belief,  of  my  liaving  acted  hereto- 
fore, in  a  manner  conducive  to  the  liberties  of  America. 

It  was  not  my  purpose,  however,  to  visit  the  convention, 
but  Lord  Dunmore  :  the  next  day,  therefore,  I  informed  the 
Indians,  I  must  now  part  with  them,  as  my  business  re- 
quired I  should  take  a  different  route;  advised  them  to 
meet  the  Convention  at  Richmond ;  brought  to  their  recol- 
lection, the  duty  I  had  so  often  inculcated,  and  took  my 
leave ;  but  not  without  regret  at  parting  with  men,  who, 
though  unpolished  and  barbarous,  had  great  integrity  of 
heart,  and  an  inviolable  friendship. 

So  full  was  the  country  become  of  Committees,  new 
raised  militia,  petty  officers,  and  other  persons  officially  busv, 
in  hopes  of  being  distinguished,  thfit  the  utmost  circum- 
spection was  continually  necessary.  When  I  came  to  Fred- 
ericksburg, I  dined  with  an  old  friend,  in  better  days  Doc- 
tor, afterwards  General  Mercer,  and  killed  at  Prince  Town, 
in  an  action  with  the  seventeenth  regiment,  and  because  I 
was  silent,  when  inflammatory  and  unconstitutional  toasts 
and  sentiments  were  drank,  the  next  day,  when  I  ao-ain  set 
ott'  on  my  journey,  I  found  they  had  placed  a  spy  upon  me, 
under  the  appearance  of  an  accidental  traveller  on  the  road 
to  Richmond. 

Him,  however,  I  had  the  address  to  shake  off.  AVhen  I 
came  near  Williamsburg,  I  contrived  so  as  to  pass  through 
the  town  in  the  night.  I  saw  several  officers  and  soldiers, 
and  was  hailed  by  the  centinels,  but  answering,  "  a  friend," 
they  supposed  me  a  country  Gentleman,  and  suffered  me  to 
pass.  Though  the  rains  had  been,  and  were  exceedingly 
heavy,  attended  with  violent  thunder  and  lightning,  I  did 
not  stop  till  [  came  to  York-Town,  which  was  tov^^ards 
midnight,  and  there,  thoroughly  drenched,  and  excessively 
fatigued,  I  went  to  bed.  Being  near  the  end  of  my  journey, 
on  the  morning  I  set  forward,  through  still  unremitting  rain, 
which,  though  very  disagreeable,  was  a  very  convenient  cir- 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


16 


cunistanco,  for  the  militia  and  inhabitants  were  obliged  to 
keep  in  their  houses,  and  I  passed  through  Hampton  safe 
and  unobserved.  I  here  procured  a  boat,  and  by  a  little 
finesse  witli  the  waterman,  got  on  board  tlie  ship  where 
Lord  Dunmore  usually  remained.  His  Lordship  was  gone 
on  shore  to  Gosport,  whither  I  instantly  followed,  and  im- 
mediately obtained  the  ardently  wished-for-pleasure  of  an 
interview. 

Those  only  who  have  seen  such  times,  and  been  in 
similar  situations ;  who  have  felt  the  like  passionate  desire 
to  distinguish  themselves  in  the  service  of  their  King  and 
country,  and  the  like  apprehensions  of  being  prevented, 
those  only  can  conceive  the  satisfaction  I  experienced  at 
this  moment.  I  had  been  twice  a  prisoner,  twice  rescued ; 
had  passed  the  Apalacbian  Mountains,  and  come  upwards 
of  four  hundred  and  iifty  miles,  through  a  country  where 
every  eye  seemed  intuitively  suspicious ;  had  formed  a 
party  in  favour  of  the  cause  I  had  espoused ;  and  my  heart 
swelled  with  the  hopes  of  doing  something  eminently  con- 
spicuous: I  had  happily  joined  a  Nobleman,  whose  loyal 
sentiments  corresponded  with  my  own,  and  who  made  it  an 
invariable  rule  never  to  suflbr  those  who  preferred  their  al- 
legiance to  the  vain  applause  of  a  giddy  multitude,  to  pass 
undistinguished.  Thus  far  success  attended  my  efforts, 
and  I  was  happy :  the  reverse  of  the  medal  must  presently 
appear. 

It  was  evident,  on  consulting  with  Lord  Dunmore,  and 
informing  him  of  the  plan  I  had  concerted,  and  the  confed- 
eracy I  had  formed,  tbat  when  his  Lordship  was  reinforced 
wnth  supplies  from  Britain,  a  co-operative  body  of  troops 
from  Canada,  and  the  western  frontiers  of  Virginia,  with 
Indian  auxiliaries,  would  be  ready  to  act  at  the  time  that 
Sir  "William  Howe  would  draw  their  principal  attention  to 
the  northward.  This  would  not  only  be  productive  of  the 
restitution  of  the  royal  authority  of  this  colony,  but  have  a 
general  tendency  to  promote  the  success  of  his  Majesty's 
arms,  and  the  like  happy  effects  universally.  His  Lordship 
therefore  dispatcbod  me  to  General  Gage  at  Boston,  to  lay 


*] 


r " 


11 


16 


Narraftve  of  John  Connolhj,  Loyalist. 


before  his  Excellency  the  projected  8chenie,an{l  to  desire  his 
concurrence  and  co-operation.  But  as  Lord  Dunniore  had 
promised  the  Indian  Chiefs,  when  in  their  country,  that  he 
would  certainly  meet  them  in  person  the  ensuing  spring,  at 
Fort  Pitt,  finally  to  adjust  all  difterences;  and  as  the  re- 
bellion had  rendered  it  impossible  to  keep  his  promise,  he 
was  solicitous  to  transmit  an  apology  to  a  Chief  of  the 
Delavvares,  intimating  in  some  measure  the  cause  of  this 
disappointment.  This  speech  his  Lordship  gave  to  my 
charge,  and  desired  me  to  transmit  to  a  Mr.  Gibson,  of  Pitts- 
burgh, that  he  might  interpret  it  to  the  Chief,  I  had  reason 
to  suspect  Lord  Dujimore  reposed  too  much  confidence  in 
this  Gentleman,  but  as  he  had  lately  been  with  his  Lord- 
ship on  business,  and  as  his  Lordship  seemed  persuaded  he 
was  worthy  of  being  trusted,  I  gave  up  suspicions  that 
afterwards  appeared  to  be  but  too  well  founded.  Ideas  of 
former  intimacy  and  juvenile  friendship  arose  in  my  mind, 
for  we  had  been  long  acquainted,  and  I  felt  an  anxiety  to 
preserve  him  from  measures,  which  I  deemed  destructive  to 
both  his  interest  and  honour.  When  therefore  I  sent  him 
the  speech,  I  likewise  enclosed  the  following  letter : 


Portsmouth,  Aug.  9,  1775. 
Dear  Sir. 

I  am  safely  arrived  here,  and  am  happy,  to  the  greatest 
degree,  in  having  so  fortunately  escaped  the  narrow  inspec- 
tion of  my  enemies,  the  enemies  to  their  country,  to  good 
order,  and  to  government.  I  should  esteem  myself  defec- 
tive in  point  of  friendship  towards  you,  should  I  neglect  to 
caution  you  to  avoid  an  over  zealous  exertion  of  what  is 
now  ridiculously  called  patriotic  spirit :  but,  on  the  contrary, 
to  deport  yourself  with  that  moderation  for  which  you  have 
always  been  remarkable,  and  which  must,  in  this  instance, 
tend  to  your  honour  and  advantage. 

You  may  be  assured  from  me.  Sir,  that  nothing  but  the 
greatest  unanimity  now  prevails  at  home ;  that  the  inno- 
vating spirit  amongst  us  here  is  looked  upon  as  ungener- 
ous and  undutiful ;  that  the  utmost  exertions  of  the  powers 


:l 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


17 


of  government,  if  necessiiry,  will  bo  used  to  convince  the 
infiituuted  people  of  their  folly.  I  could,  I  iiHsure  you,  Sir, 
give  you  such  convincing  proofs  of  what  I  ussert,  and  from 
which  every  reasojuible  person  may  conclude  the  eftects, 
that  nothing  hut  inudiiess  could  operate  upon  a  man  so  far 
as  to  overlook  his  duty  to  the  present  constitution,  and  to 
form  unwarrantable  associations  with  enthusiasts,  whose  ill- 
timed  folly  must  draw  upon  them  inevitable  destruction. 
His  Lordship  desires  you  to  present  his  hand  to  Capt. 
"White-Eyes,  and  to  assure  him  that  he  is  very  sorry  he  had 
not  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him  at  the  treaty,  or  that  the  sit- 
uation of  affairs  prevented  hiui  from  coming  down.  Believe 
me,  dear  Sir,  that  I  have  no  motive  in  writing  my  sentiments 
thus  to  you,  farther  than  to  endeavour  to  steer  you  clear  of 
the  misfortunes  which  I  am  confident  must  involve,  but 
unhappily,  too  many. 

I  have  sent  you  an  address  from  the  People  of  Great- 
Britain  to  the  People  of  America;  and  I  desire  you  to  con- 
sider it  attentively,  which  will,  I  flatter  myself,  convince  you 
of  the  idleness  of  many  declamations,  and  of  the  absurdity 
of  an  intended  slavery.  Give  my  love  to  George,  and  tell 
him  he  shall  hear  from  me,  and  I  hope  to  his  advantage. 
Interpret  the  inclosed  speech  to  Capt.  White-Eyes  from  his 
Lordship;  be  prevailed  upon  to  shun  the  popular  error,  and 
judge  for  yourself;  act  as  a  good  subject,  and  expect  the 
rewards  due  to  your  services. 
I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  sincere  friend  and  servant, 

JJOHN   COKNOLLY. 

To  John  Gibson,  Esquire, 

near  Fort  Dunmorc. 

To  a  mind  impressed  with  the  slightest  sense  of  rectitude, 
and  that  has  ever  once  conceived  the  meaning  of  the  word 
honour,  it  seems  impossible  that  any  man  can  be  base  enough 
to  betray  a  private  confidential  correspondence,  more  espe- 
cially where  the  intention  was  indisputably  benevolent  and 
friendly.     This  dishonourable  act,  however,  was  Mr.  Gib- 


18 


Nfuratlir  <>/  John  Connofli/,   LoifdUtit. 


son's :  ho  laid  my  U'ttor  l.ut'oro  tlie  county  committee,  to 
wliifh  I  am  to  iittributi-  my  Hiu'cecding  misfortunes,  and  a 
five  years'  captivity.  Miiny  other  letters  of  mine  were  Hcnt, 
at  tlie  same  time,  ami  by  the  same  conveyance,  to  persons 
who  afterwards  accepted  offices  of  high  trust  under  the  Re- 
publican government;  yet  none,  either  then  or  since,  ever 
divulged  my  o[)inions.  This  gentleman,  for  his  treacherous 
display  of  patriotism,  was  honou  cd  with  a  consequential  mili- 
tary command;  and  I  have  frecpiently  had  the  mortification 
to  see  him  enjoy  the  warm  sun-shine  of  freedom  and  favour, 
from  the  window  of  an  iidiospitable  prison.     But  to  return. 

It  was  agreed  that  T  should  go  to  Boston,  for  which  voyage 
a  small  schooner  was  provided  and  manned  from  the  Otter 
Sloop,  and  I  set  out  for  head  ([uarters,  charged  with  Lurd 
Dunmore's  dispatches  to  the  commander  in  chief,  where  I 
arrived  after  a  voyage  of  ten  days. 

Secret  and  expeditious  as  I  had  hitherto  been,  my  arrival 
at  Boston  was  soon  known  to  General  Washington.  The 
inhabitants,  by  permission,  were  daily  going  in  and  out  of 
town ;  and  some  of  them  had  so  far  corrupted  my  servant, 
as  to  obtain  from  him  such  intelligence  as  he  could  give. 
He  was  an  Englishman,  had  lived  with  Lord  Dunmore,  and 
had  acquaintance  in  General  Washington's  family,  to  whom, 
some  short  time  ofter,  he  eloped,  where  he  reported  a  strange 
mixture  of  truth  and  falsehood,  relative  to  my  past  proceed- 
ings and  future  intentions. 

When  my  propositions  were  laid  before  General  Gage, 
[as]  he  was  well  acquainted  with  American  affairs,  and  saw 
the  advantages  that  were  likely  to  result  from  their  being 
put  in  execution  :  they  met,  therefore,  with  his  entire  ap- 
probation. But  as  General  Arnold  (then  in  the  American 
service)  had  already  began  an  expedition  against  Canada  by 
the  Kennebec  River,  and  other  obstacles  intervened,  I  could 
not  immediatel}' proceed  to  Quebec,  as  was  at  first  intended, 
80  it  was  thought  most  expedient  I  should  return  to  Vir- 
ginia, taking  with  me  Ills  Excellency's  instructions  to  the 
officers  commanding  at  Illinois  and  Detroit,  as  well  as  to 
the  deputy  superintendeir;  ox  Indian  athiirs. 


Xarmlivi'  of  John  Cimnofh/,  Loii<iliM. 


1» 


After  oxpei'iencini?  sevenil  of  thoso  tedious  dcUiyH  iilway^i 
iiiscpiirablo  from  sea  voyages,  imtl  callitigon  boanl  the  Asia, 
lying  at  New  York,  agreeuhle  to  the  directions  of  Lord  Dun- 
niore,  to  I'minire  for  dispatches  from  England,  I  arrived  once 
more  at  PortHnioutli,  and  rejoined  his  Lordship  on  the  12t]i 
of  October.     A  short  tit  of  sickness,  occasioned  by  excessive 
fatigue  and  anxiety,  for  I  had  travelled  tliis  year  upwards 
of  four  tbousan<l  miles,  and  always  upon  affairs  that  lay 
heavy  on  the  n.md.  held  me  in  a  suspense  that,  while  it 
lasted,  niude  illnesc  doubly  irksome.     As  soon,  however,  as 
I  was  able,  I  consulted  with  his  Lordship  upon  my  plan  and 
future  proceedings ;  and  on  the  5th  of  November,  1775,  a 
commission  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  (Jomniandant  under  his 
Lordship's  sign  manual,  as  his  Majesty's  representative,  was 
given  me,  with  full  power  and  authority  to  raise  a  battalion 
of  men,  and  as  many  independent  companies  as  I  could. 
The  deputy  superintendent  of  Indian  affairs  was  directed  to 
make  such  expences  in  that  department,  as  I  might  judge 
requisite   for  his   Majesty's  service;    and  the  officer  com- 
manding a  detachment  of  the  eighteenth  regiment  at  the 
Illinois,  was  ordered  to  join  mo  at  Detroit,  by  the  Onabache 
communication.     The  commanding  otHcer  at  Detroit,  like- 
wise, was  desired  to  give  every  encouragement  to  the  Cana- 
dians of  his  district,  to  embody  themselves  for  the  expedi- 
tion  under  my  orders;    and  every   other  matter  was   so 
arranged,  as  to  give  the  fairest  prospect  of  success.     These 
dispositions  were   made   conformable  to   appearances  and 
probabilities.     Early  the  next  spring,  we  had  the  strongest 
reason  to  hope,  that  a  formidable   body  of  British  troops 
would  take  the  tield  ;  that  the  combined  force  of  the  enemy 
must  be  drawn  to  the  northward,  and  that  I  should  have  an 
opportunity  of  marching  from  Pittsburgh,  with  the  detach- 
ment of  the  eighteenth  regiment,  the  new-raised  corps,  the 
Indian  auxiliaries,  so  as  to  form  u  junction  with  Lord  Dun- 
more  at  Alexandria.     By  this  means  the  communication 
between  the   southern  and   northern  governments  would 
have  been  interrupted,  and  a  favourable  turn  indisputably 
given  to  his  Majesty's  affairs  in  the  southern  Provinces. 


1  ' 


I 


M 


W  Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 

To  put  tlicso  dcsiijiis  into  action,  tlio  service  required  I 
should  first  go  to  Detroit,  to  gnin  ^vlli(•ll  tliere  were  several 
routes.  But  as  this  garrison  lay  at  least  seven  hundred 
miles  distant  in  the  straightest  possible  direction,  and  as  the 
circuitous  roads  were  not  only  very  tedious,  but  liable  to 
other  objections,  I  detei'mined  to  go  the  shortest  way 
through  Maryland.  In  this  my  knowledge  of  the  country 
and  the  peoide,  made  me  so  far  justifiable,  that  I  should 
undoubtedly  liave  succeeded,  and  passed  safe,  had  it  not 
been  for  an  accident  (before  alluded  to)  of  which  I  could 
Jiot  then  possibly  have  any  foresight.  My  instructions  and 
commission  were  concealed  in  tbe  sticks  of  my  servants 
mail  pillioji,  artfully  contrived  for  that  ])urpo8e,  and  in  the 
night  of  the  IStli  of  November,  1775,  I  took  my  leave  of 
Lord  Dunmore,  and  set  oft"  in  company  with  Lieutenant 
Allen  Cameron,  and  Dr.  John  Smyth.  These  Gentlemen 
were  both  staunch  loyalists,  men  of  abilities,  and  very 
agreeable  to  me.  Mr.  Cameron  was  from  Scotland,  and 
well  acquainted  with  the  Indians  and  Indian  aftiurs,  having 
acted  as  agent  under  the  honourable  John  Stuart,  superin- 
tendent general  of  the  department.  He  had  suft'ered  nmch 
abuse  for  his  unshaken  loyalty,  previous  to  bis  coming  into 
Virginia,  and  liad  refused  the  republican  ofters  of  military 
rank  in  South  Carolina  with  disdain.  He  had  come  with 
dispatches  from  Governor  Lord  AVilliam  Campbell,  of  South 
Carolina,  Tonyn  of  East  Florida,  and  the  honourable  John 
Stuart,  and  intended  to  serve  in  a  corps  of  Highland  emi- 
grants, then  raising  at  Boston,  and  since  the  eighty-fourth 
regiment.  His  loyalty,  courage  and  good  conduct,  were  so 
well  established,  that  Lord  Dunmore  thought  him  a  proper 
person  to  accompany  me,  and  gave  him  a  lieutenant's  com- 
mission, leaving  it  with  me  to  advance  him  to  a  company, 
if  I  thought  good,  on  raising  the  corps,  which  from  the 
expci-ience  I  afterwards  had  of  his  worth  and  estimable  quali- 
ties, I  should  certaiidy  have  done.  Dr.  Smytli  was  a  Gen- 
tleman, who  had  resided  in  .^^aryland,  but  his  nonconformity 
to  the  temper  of  the  times,  had  made  him  obnoxious  to  the 
republican  [)arty.     Incapable  of  temporizing  he  was  on  his 


Narrative  of  John  Comwllij,  Loyalid.  21 

way  to  "West  Florida,  to  escape  the  turbulence  of  faction,  and 
act  agreeably  to  his  principles.  Observing  him  to  be  a  man 
of  quick  penetration,  firm  loyalty,  and  ready  to  serve  his 
Majesty  at  all  hazards,  intimately  acquainted  too  with  the 
lower  parts  of  Maryland,  through  which  I  intended  to  pass, 
I  solicited  hini  to  accompany  nie  likewise,  designing  to  make 
him  surgeon  to  the  regiment. 

We  began  our   unfortunate  journey  by  the  way  of  the 
Potomac  River,  intending  to  land  on  the  Maryland  side  near 
Port  Tobacco,  and  by  a  feint,  leave  the  Pittsburgh  road,  and 
proceed  by  a  jirivate  route  to  a  place  called  the  Standing 
Stone,  which  was  beyond  the  intluence  of  county  committees, 
and  from  whence  to  Detroit  is  not  above  seven  days  jour- 
ney.    This,  however,  was  prevented  by  a  furious  north-west 
wind,  that  drove  us  up  the  river  St.  Mary's,  where  we  landed 
and  took  the  road  like  ordinary  travellers.     AVe  proceeded 
on,  unmolested,  till  the  evening  of  the  liHh,  when  we  were 
on  the  very  border  of  the  frontier,  and  almost  out  of  danger. 
We  stopped  for  the  night  at  a  public  house  about  five  miles 
beyond  llager's  Town,  the  landlord  of  which  knew  me. 
From  hitn  we  learnt,  that  although  it  was  known  T  had  been 
on  board  with  Lonl  Dunmore,  yet  it  was  supposed  I  should 
return  quietly  to  Pittsburgh,  as  soon  as  I  had  settled  my  own 
personal  concerns ;  neither  Vv^as  it  known  that  I  had  been  to 
Boston.     The  misfortune  that  hung  over  my  head  was  the 
eifect,  not  of  temerity,  but  unsuspected  private  treachery, 
and  the  manner  in  which  tiiis  happened  was  as  tbllows  : 

Some  short  time  before  we  came  to  our  inn  in  the  even- 
ing, a  young  man  met  us,  that  had  formerly  been  a  private 
under  my  command  at  Pittsburgh,  and  saluted  me  as  he 
passed,  by  the  title  of  major.  This  gave  some  uneasiness 
to  the  gentlemen  with  me,  who  wished  to  have  him  secured ; 
but  asl  could  not  pass  through  the  country  without  the 
probability  of  being  known  by  many,  and  as  any  violence, 
or  even  art,  used  with  the  man,  were  likely  rather  to  pro- 
duce than  avoid  the  effects  they  feared ;  beside,  that  there 
was  not  really  any  probable  danger,  I  thought  it  by  far  more 
prudent  to  siiffer  him  to  pass  unnoticed.     About  ten  o'clock 


]| 


22 


A^drvatlvc  of  John   Connolly,  Loyalist. 


the  same  night,  tliis  man  went  to  a  heer-house  in  Huger's 
Town,  and  niixetl  with  some  officers  of  the  Minute-men  (a 
species  of  the  Vohmteer  Militia)  where  hearing  some  per- 
son  in  coini)any  enrpiire  who  those  gentlemen  were  that 
passed  through  the  town  in  the  evening,  lie  replied,  that  one 
of  them  was  Major  ('oniiolly.     Unfortunately  for  me  a  copy 
of  my  letter  to  Mr.  Gihsou,with  Lord  Dunmore's  speech  to 
the  Delaware  Chief,  had  l)een  sent,  only  two  days  hefore,  to 
the  Colonel  of  the  Minute-Men,  who  had  sp  )ken  of  it  as  a 
demonstration  of  my  Tory  principles  to  the  officers  then 
present;  they,  therefore,  immediately  informed  their  Colonel 
of  my  having  passed  through  the  town,  and  he,  with  as  much 
expedition,  sent  a  hody  of  his  men  after  us,  to  ohlige  us  to 
return,  that  we  might  be  examined  before  the  committee. 
About  two  o'clock  in  the  morning  they  suddenly  broke  into 
the  room  where  we  lay,  and  made  us  [trisoners.     We  were 
conducted  to  Ilager's  Town,  kept  in  separate  houses  during 
the  next  day  and  night,  and  suffered  that  kind  of  disturbance 
and  abuse  which  might  be  expjcted  from  undisciplined  sol- 
diers, and  a  clamorous  rabble,  at  such  a  crisis.     The  day 
following,  the  committee  being  assembled,  my  letter  was 
produced,  as  a  testimony  of  my  political  principles  being 
repugnant  to  their  own  ;  and  the  speech  of  Lord  Dunmore 
commented  upon,  as  designed  to  influence  the  Indians  to 
act  against  them,  in  case  of  hostilities  with  Great  Britain. 
To  which  I  answered,  the  sentiments  contained  in  my  letter 
were  the  result  of  friendship  for  a  person,  with  whom  I  had 
had  a  long  and  early  acquaintance.     They  were  not  calcu- 
lated to  publicly  prejudice  their  measures;  and  the  person 
advised  was  entirely  at  liberty  to  pursue  his  own  inclinations. 
It  extended  no  iarther  than  the  giving  a  private  opinion; 
and  the  only  person  culpable  was  he  wiio  could  so  unwar- 
rantably betray  a  confidential  letter.     With  respect  to  the 
speech,  I  observed,  it  was  merely  an  apology  from  Lord 
Dunmore  to  the  Indians;  he  not  being  able  to  meet  them  in 
council  at  Pittsburgh,  agreeable  to  his  promise  the  preceding 
year.     The  heat  of  party  resentment  seemed  considerably 
abated  when  they  had  heard  me;  but  it  was  nevertheless 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalhit. 


23 


resolved,  I  hIiouUI  not  proceed  home  {where  they  supposed 
me  going)  till  the  sense  of  the  whole  committee,  assembled 
at  Frederick  Town,  could  be  taken.  This  fatal  resolution, 
carried  only  by  a  small  majority,  was,  I  foresaw,  destruction 
to  my  hopcG,  as  the  news  of  my  havitig  been  at  Boston  must 
soon  get  abroad. 

And  now,  instead  of  proceeding  in  the  service  to  which 
my  heart  was  devoted,  the  next  day  we  were  escorted  back 
to  Frederick  Town,  about  thirty-five  miles,  in  a  retrograde 
direction,  from  where  we  were  taken.  Here,  the  first  house 
I  entered,  I  saw  a  Colonel  well  known  to  me,  who  had  just 
returned  from  before  Boston,  and  who  proceeded,  without 
hesitation,  to  inform  me,  that  General  Washington  knew 
the  time  of  my  coming  to,  and  the  very  day  of  my  leaving 
Boston;  and  that  it  was  generally  supposed  I  intended 
getting  into  the  western  part  of  the  Quebec  government 
by  the  Mississippi.      All   attempts    at    denial   were  now 

idle. 

The  committee  were  anxious  to  seize  my  papers ;  but,  as 
I  found  their  search  inefiectual,  I  told  them  they  had  been 
sent  to  Quebec;  and,  after  .-epeated  examination,  my  port- 
manteau was  returned  to  my  servant,  without  discovery. 
Yet,  although  Dr.  Smyth  and  myself  had  several  times, 
before  we  left  Norfolk,  severely  scrutinized  and  destroyed 
every  paper  that  might  affect  us,  there  was  a  manuscript 
that  had  been  wrapt  round  a  stick  of  black  ball  by  my  ser- 
vant, so  soiled  and  besmeared,  as  to  have  escaped  the  search 
both  of  ourselves  there,  and  the  committee  here,  who  were 
as  industrious  as  they  were  suspicious.  This  paper,  which 
contained  a  rough  draft  of  propositions,  supposed  to  have 
been  laid  before  General  Gage  by  me,  but  which  really  was 
not  the  case,  was  discovered  in  consequence  of  a  fresh  ex- 
amination demanded  by  a  Member  of  Congress,  who  arrived 
at  the  committee  some  days  after  we  had  been  taken  to 
Frederick  Town,  and  was  published  as  my  confession, 
though  I  repeatedly,  and  with  truth,  denied  the  justice  of 
the  supposition. 

We  were  now  decidedly  prisoners,  and  it  became  one  of 


■  t- 


»l 


Narraiive  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


y 


^  ,1 


my  chief  concerns  lest  my  friends  of  West  Augusta  County 
might  sufter  from  my  misfortune.  I,  therefore,  obtained  an 
interview  with  the  Member  of  Congress,  and  endeavoured 
to  eradicate  every  suspicion  from  his  mind,  by  introducing 
such  conversation  as  I  judged  most  conducive  to  this  pur- 
pose. Among  otlier  matters,  this  gentleman  informed  me, 
that  Congress  seeing  the  consequences  of  civil  war  inevita- 
ble, had  come  to  a  determination  that  officers  taken  by 
them  should  be  admitted  to  their  parole,  and  treated  with 
every  lenity  consistent  with  the  public  interest,  as  they  ex- 
pected a  similar  indulgence  would  be  extended  to  the  unfor- 
tunate on  their  side,  who  should  become  prisoners.  How 
far  this  resolution  was  adhered  to,  the  subsequent  part  of 
this  narrative  will  testify.  The  idea  was,  indeed,  to  me  very 
renovating ;  it  gave  me  to  hope,  that  although  a  prisoner 
now,  and  my  etlorts  for  the  present  impeded,  I  should  soon 
regain  my  liberty,  and  have  still  the  power  to  prove  myself 
an  active  supporter  of  the  constitutional  government. 

We  were  now  removed  to  the  house  of  the  Colonel  of  the 
Minute-men,  and  confined  in  a  room  where  we  had  no  reason 
to  complain  of  lodging,  or  diet;  but  the  clamorous  gabbling 
of  this  raw  militia  was  eternal  and  noisy  beyond  conception. 
They  were  ignorant,  and  stupidly  turbulent;  and  their 
guard,  which  was  relieved  every  four-and-twenty  hours, 
gave  a  night  of  entertainment  to  themselves  and  visitors,  and 
of  tantalizing  perturbation  to  me,  whose  heart  was  inces- 
santly panting  after  other  scenes,  and  different  companions. 

My  servant,  who  was  a  man  of  great  fidelity  and  adroit- 
ness, was  not  confined  ;  and  as  he  had  gathered  some  slight 
intimation  that  matters  of  consequence  were  in  the  pillion 
sticks,  and  observing  the  saddle  and  its  appendages  sus- 
pended in  an  adjoining  shed,  after  having  undergone  a 
severe  but  fruitless  scrutiny  by  the  committee,  he  seized 
a  favourable  moment  in  the  dead  of  night,  opened  the 
sticks,  examined  their  contents  by  the  light  of  a  tire,  and 
finding  of  what  importance  they  were,  destroyed  them  all, 
except  my  commission.  This  he  sealed  up,  and  conveyed 
to  rae,  with  a  note  informing  mc  of  what  he  had  done,  by 


k'i 


Nan'cdive  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


25 


i 


means  of  a  negro  girl,  that  had  before  been  proved  to  bo 
faithful. 

Among  other  conjectures,  on  the  probable  operations  of 
Congress,  I  began  to  reflect,  that  they  would  certainly  send 
a  body  of  men  down  the  Ohio,  to  capture  the  small  garrison 
at  Kuskuskis,  as  they  were  in  great  want  of  stores  and 
ordnance.  I  therefore  wished  very  much  to  inform  Captain 
Lord,  who  commanded  at  the  Illinois,  of  his  imminent  dan- 
ger, and  advise  him  to  quit  his  post,  and  gain  Detroit,  by 
the  Onabache  communication,  without  delay.  We  had  ob- 
served, that  towards  day-light,  our  guard  frequently  ex- 
hausted by  their  own  noise  and  folly,  were  inclined  to  a 
momentary  quiet,  and  as  no  centry  were  regularly  relieved, 
but  all  were  on  duty  at  the  same  time,  we  concluded  there 
was  a  possibility  for  one  of  my  companions  to  effect  an 
escape.  But  as  verbal  intelligence  might  not  find  immedi- 
ate credit,  it  was  necessary  I  should  write,  and  in  this  our 
good  negro  again  assisted  us:  she  procured  paper,  and  an 
ink-horn,  which  she  contrived  to  leave  between  the  bed  and 
sacking-bottom,  unnoticed  by  the  guard.  Thus  furnished, 
I  wrote  the  necessary  letters,  and  Dr.  Smyth  willingly  offer- 
ing his  services  for  this  laborious  undertaking,  we  contrived 
to  unscrew  the  lock  from  the  door,  and  towards  morning, 
just  as  the  guard  were  nodding  in  their  chairs,  he  slipt  down 
stairs  unobserved.  We  had  scarce  time  to  screw  the  lock  on 
again,  and  lie  down,  before  the  guard  entered  our  room, 
but  seeing  some  of  us  in  bed,  they  concluded  we  were  all 
there,  so  cried  all  safe,  and  retired.  This  business  was  very 
critically  effected,  for  the  next  day  we  were  to  be  removed 
towards  Philadelphia,  pursuant  to  an  order  of  Congress. 

In  the  morning,  when  it  was  found  that  Dr.  Smyth  had 
made  his  escape,  we  felt  such  consequences  as  might  natu- 
rally be  expected  from  vulgar  and  exasperated  men,  and 
were  plentifully  loaded  with  opprobrious  epithets. 

It  was  on  the  29*''  of  December,  1775,  in  a  severely  cold 
season  of  the  year,  that  we  set  out  for  Philadelphia,  a  jour- 
ney of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles.  We  were  escorted  by 
a  party  of  militia  dragoons ;  our  spurs  were  taken  off,  our 


?: 


26 


NarvaUve  of  John  Connolly,  Loynlist. 


\] 


horses  placed  parallel  like  coach  horses,  with  tlieir  heads 
tied  together  in  a  very  confined  manner,  and  a  horseman, 
with  a  long  rope  attached  to  the  intermediate  cord,  rode 
before,  rudolv  conducting  us  in  whatever  direction  he 
thought  i)roper.  My  servant  was  allowed  to  follow  with 
my  portnnuiteau,  but  not  having  taken  off  his  spurs,  the 
populace  ran  violently  up  to  him,  and  cut  through  his  boot 
and  stocking  to  tear  them  away.  We  were  obliged  to  per- 
form a  considerable  journey  that  day,  in  a  manner  painful 
to  remember;  the  road  was  rough,  the  snow  on  the  ground, 
the  rivulets  numerous  and  frozen,  and  a  track  for  the  horses 
obliged  to  be  broken  through  them.  These  were  only  made 
wide  enough  for  a  single  horse,  and  notwithstanding  our 
entreaties  to  the  contrary,  we  were  obliged  to  enter  all  these 
narrow  passes,  with  our  horses  abreast,  the  consequence  of 
which  was,  a  continual  contest  between  the  poor  animals,  to 
preserve  the  open  communication,  alternately  forcing  each 
other  to  jump  upon  the  firm  ice,  or  break  a  larger  extent  in 
the  struggle.  Our  knees  were  repeatedly  bruised,  and  our 
limbs  in  imminent  danger  of  being  broken,  by  the  inces- 
sant falls  and  warfare  of  the  horses.  Sorry  am  I  to  say, 
it  rather  aftbrded  cause  of  merriment  to  our  conductors, 
than  any  scope  for  the  exercise  of  benevolence.  For  the 
honour  of  humanity,  liowever,  it  should  be  observed,  that 
our  guard  consisted  of  the  lowest  and  most  irrational  of  the 
inhabitants,  in  and  near  the  town  of  Frederick,  and  their 
captain  a  common  surgeon-barber. 

On  the  second  day  we  reached  York  Town,  where  a  com- 
mittee assembled  to  determine  how  they  were  to  lodge  us. 
Their  deliberations  were  not  of  long  continuance  ;  we  were 
committed  to  a  room  in  the  county  gaol,  in  which  was  a 
dirty  straw  bed,  little  covering;  and,  notwithstanding  the 
inclemency  of  the  season,  no  fire  ;  add  to  which,  their  new 
made  soldiers  were  so  fond  of  fife  and  drum,  that  they  en- 
tertained us  all  night  with  this  music.  The  next  morning 
was  the  first  of  January,  177(3,  and  we  were  conducted  from 
gaol  to  the  tavern,  where  our  horses  were,  by  an  officer's 
guard,  and  a  drum  beating  the  rogue's  march.     Here  we 


Narrative  of  John  Connolhj,  Loyalist. 


27 


were  coriHijfiiccl  once  more  to  our  polite  friends  of  Frederick 
Town,  who,  to  the  no  small  entortuinnient  of  the  populace, 
ironically  and  vociferously  complimented  us  with  many 
wishes  of  a  happy  new  year. 

Led  in  tliis  insulting  manner,  hy  a  formidable  guard,  and 
exhibited  in  terrorcm.  to  all  loyalists,  I  now  too  plainly  saw 
the  probability  of  my  falling  a  political  sacrifice,  and  that 
this  parade  of  indignity  was  but  the  commencement  of  my 
sutt'erings.     I  was  the  first  person  of  influence,  who  had 
attempted  to  support  the  Royal  cause,  by  raising  troops  in 
America.     That  they  meant  to  intimidate  every  Gentleman 
from  future  efforts  of  that  ruiture,  not  only  by  exposing  me 
as  an  object  of  contempt  to  one  party,  and  of  dread  to  the 
other,  but  of  unrelenting  persecution  likewise,  will  I  think 
be  evident  from  the  facts  contained  in  this  narrative.     Let 
it,  however,  be  always   understood,  both  here,  and  in  all 
other  places,  where  I  mention  the  rigours  I  sustained,  that 
I  do  not  mean  to  accuse  any  man,  or  set  of  men,  any  farther 
than  a  fair  statement  of  my  own  case  requires;  nor  have  I 
any  view,  but  to  shew  that  my  sufferings  were  the  effects  of 
my  unshaken  loyalty,  that  I  was,  while  free,  an  active  main- 
tainer,  and  when  imprisoned,  an  inflexible  adherent  to  the 
cause  I  espoused ;  that  they  were  convinced  of  this,  and 
that  this  was  the  source  of  the  unabating  severity  with 
which  1  was  treated.    By  the  received  modes  of  modern  war, 
their  conduct  was  certainly  unjustifiable;  how  far  their  pe- 
culiar situation  may  extenuate  this  charge,  is  not  for  me  to 
determine.     My  purpose  is  only  faithfully  to  relate  what  the 
interest  of  myself  and  family  demands  should  be  related. 

When  we  again  set  forward,  great  numbers  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  York-Town  rode  with  us  to  Wright's-Ferr}',  as 
well  for  the  novelty  of  the  sight,  as  to  be  present  at  an  in- 
terview that  was  expected  to  take  place  between  me  and  an 
uterine  brother  of  mine,  who  had  long  been  the  representa- 
tive of  the  county  in  the  general  assembly  of  the  Province, 
and  who  was  of  a  very  different  political  complexion.  I 
know  not  how  this  meeting  afl'ected  the  multitude,  but  to 
me  it  conjured  up  a  train  of  melancholy  ideas;  my  own  ex- 


m 


11 


28 


Nan-atlve  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


^  fit 


!/' 


ii 


i( 


ample  giive  me  a  strong  picture  of  the  horrors  of  civil  dis- 
cord, tliat  was  too  disniiil  to  boliold  without  a  shudder.  My 
stay  was  short;  at  ray  brother's  re((ue8t,  I  was  suffered  to 
walk  upon  the  ice,  across  the  Susquohanuii,  in  his  company, 
with  the  guard  following  in  the  rear.  The  painful  remem- 
brance of  the  blessings  of  peace,  and  of  the  ravages  of  that 
dissention  that  could  make  the  brother  war  against  the 
brother,  and  the  son  against  the  father,  gave  sensations, 
better  to  be  imagined  than  expressed.  When  we  reached 
the  opposite  shore,  therefore,  we  soon  took  our  leave. 

This  night  we  were  lodged  in  the  gaol  at  Lancaster,  and 
two  days  more  brought  us  to  Philadelphia,  where  we  were 
committed  to  the  charge  of  the  associated  city  militia  dressed 
in  uniform.  About  six  in  the  evening,  by  an  order  from  the 
Council  of  Safety,  we  were  marched  to  where  they  sat,  and 
from  thence  to  prison,  where,  by  the  nature  of  the  commit- 
ment, we  were  debarred  the  use  of  pen,  ink,  and  paper. 
My  servant  too  was  now  involved  in  the  severity  practised 
upon  me,  and  we  were  all  three  shut  up  in  a  dirty  room,  in 
which  we  could  obtain  nothing  but  an  old  pair  of  blankets, 
and  that  only  in  consideration  of  a  considerable  premium  to 
the  gaoler.  In  this  state  we  cotitinued  in  the  depth  of 
winter  for  ten  days,  without  a  change  of  linen,  before  we 
could  get  our  cloaths  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Council  of 
Safety;  at  length  they  were  restored,  and  by  virtue  of 
pecuniary  influence,  we  obtained  something  that  the  keeper 
called  a  bed.  Here  we  remained  till  the  latter  end  of  Jan- 
uary, when  we  were  removed  to  a  new  and  elegant  prison, 
then  lately  erected,  whither  we  were  escorted  with  great 
formality,  and  again  honoured  with  a  rogue's  march.  Was 
this  necessity,  or  was  it  illiberal  faction  ?  if  the  latter,  success 
will  not  surely  wipe  off  the  aspersion  incurred  by  the  author 
of  this  ungenerous  treatment ;  if  the  former,  benevolence 
must  lament  for  those  who  were  the  unfortunate  victims. 
Thus  Congress  were  determined,  not  only  to  hold  me  up 
as  a  public  example  of  political  vengeance  to  the  loyalists, 
but  to  take  every  means  possible  to  degrade  and  render  me 
contemptible. 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalid. 


29 


f' 


Though  I  had  progressively  acquired  rank  in  the  pro- 
vincial service,  of  which  they  could  not  be  ignorant,  few 
men  having  been  more  generally  or  more  respectably  ac- 
quainted in  the  middle  and  southern  colonies,  though  I 
had  obtained  a  lieutenant-coloners  commission  under  his 
Majesty,  yet  whenever  they  had  occasion  to  mention  me  in 
their  resolves  and  public  proceedings,  they  wrote  plain  John 
Connolly,  without  the  least  mark  of  distinction,  or  aft'ected 
to  call  me  Doctor,  thereby  bringing  to  the  remembrance  of 
those  who  knew  me,  that  it  was  once  intended  1  should 
pursue  the  practice  of  physic,  if  that  were  any  disgrace, 
and  insiimating  to  the  world  at  large,  that  a  Doctor  would 
not  have  been  in  such  a  situation,  had  he  not  been  a  busy, 
factious  person.  The  English  history  is  replete  with  in- 
stances of  a  similar  nature.  The  tyranny  and  insolence  of 
republican  faction,  arraigned  even  the  sovereign  of  these 
realms,  by  the  name  of  Charles  Stuart.  Self-defence  obliges 
me  to  make  the  foregoing  remarks,  it  would  else  become 
matter  of  wonder,  when  the  papers  of  Congress  necessarily 
cited  hereafter  come  to  be  read.  Why,  if  I  were  what  I  say, 
I  was  not  so  distinguished. 

Amidst  the  hardships  and  chagrines  I  daily  suffered,  I 
had  still  the  consolation  to  reflect,  I  had  done  every  thing 
possible  in  the  discharge  of  my  duty,  and  anxiously  hoped 
Mr.  Smyth  had  been  fortunate  enough  to  escape  to  the 
Illinois,  but  in  this  I  was  disappointed.  This  Gentleman, 
after  having  encountered  a  variety  of  difficulties,  and  suf- 
fered abuses  for  having  undertaken  this  enterprise,  scan- 
dalous to  the  perpetrators,  disagreeable  to  remember,  and 
unnecessary  to  relate,  was  brought  once  more  a  prisoner  to 
Philadelphia.  I  was  still  resolved,  if  possible,  to  apprize 
Captain  Lord  of  his  danger,  which  I  ctlectcd  by  the  follow- 
ing means. 

The  Council  of  Safety  had  made  a  resolution  to  discharge 
all  British  prisoners,  privates,  who  would  take  an  oath  not 
to  engage  in  hostilities  against  the  United  Colonies.  Among 
their  captives,  was  a  recruit  of  the  Ilighhuul  emigrants,  that 
was  allowed  to  come  of  a  morning  to  make  my  fire,  whom 


»■ 


m 


30 


Narrative  of  John  ConnoUy,  LoyaUM, 


t 


^ 


iii 


% 


i! 


I 


I  found  to  be  acute,  and  willing  to  do  me  any  aervice. 
This  man  I  prov.iilod  on  to  take  the  oath,  and  procure  his 
release,  and  then  ref<()lved  to  send  him  to  Pittsburgh,  with 
letters  to  a  friend  of  mine,  who  might  dispatch  an  Indian 
down  the  Ohio  to  Captain  Lord.  The  recruit  found  oppor- 
tunity to  bring  me  some  writing  paper  and  sul  ammoniac, 
and  the  Ixisiness  was  happily  effected.  By  this  means  I 
endeavoured  to  preserve  his  Majesty's  garrison,  stores,  and 
ordnance  ;  but  as  the  transaction  became  ultimately  known 
to  Congress,  it  did  not  tend  to  lessen  their  severities. 

When  Mr.  Cameron  and  myself  were  conveyed  to  the 
new  Prison,  we  were  both  <;onrtncd  in  one  room  ;  the  walls 
were  thick,  and  not  thoroughly  dry,  so  that  we  contracted 
inveterate  colds.  Our  rootn  door  was  constantly  kept  shut, 
and  our  windows  towards  the  street  nailed  down,  by  which 
all  free  cix'culation  of  air  was  prevented,  neither  was  any 
person  suffered  to  speak  to  me,  without  an  order  under  the 
sio-nature  of  the  Secretary  of  Congress.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstance:;,  I  began  first  to  experience  a  very  disagreeable 
and  a  very  serious  alteration  in  my  health,  when  by  a  resolve 
of  Congress,  I  was  allowed  more  open  air,  and  a  separate 
room;  but  this  indulgence  was  of  short  duration,  and  I  was 
again  locked  up  night  and  day. 

In  the  montla  of  December,  1770,  an  attempt  was  made 
by  Mr.  Cameron,  Mr.  Smyth,  and  another  gentleman  (Mr. 
Maclean,  since  captain  in  the  Eighty-fourth),  of  so  indus- 
trious and  hazardous  a  nature  as  to  deserve  a  particular 
relation,   the    horrors    of   their    imprisonment   alone   can 
account  for  the  temerity  of  the  enterprize.     These  gentle- 
men, with  wonderful  exertions  and  address,  and  with  no 
other  tool  but  a  knife,  opened  a  hole  through  the  arched 
roof,  and  got  unobserved  upon  the  top  of  the  prison.    With 
the  unsound  ptullasses   on  which  they  lay,  and  their   old 
blankets  torn  up,  they  made  a  rope,  and  perilous  as  the 
attempt  too  visibly  was,  resolved  to  endeavour  this  way  to 
descend.      Mr.    Cameron,   than   whom    no   man   is    more 
daringly  intrepid,  made  the  first  and  the  only  essay;   for 
scarce  had  he  suspended  himself  beneath  the  roof,  before  the 


Nai'rative  of  John  Connolli/,  Loi/<ilMt. 


31 


faithless  cord  broko,  uiul  he  tell  iieur  tifty  foot  upon  n  hard 
frozen  ground.  It  seoins  miraoulout^,  that  inunediato  death 
was  not  the  consequence.  Ho  was  taken  up  lifeless,  his 
ancle  bones  were  broken,  and  hirt  whole  frame  shattered. 
The  tu'o  unliurt  gentlemen  were  thrown  into  the  dungeon, 
where  they  remained  until  removed,  with  the  other  prisoners, 
to  Baltimore,  on  the  advance  of  the  royal  army  to  Trent 
Town,  when  Mr.  Cameron,  in  a  dying  condition,  was  taken 
to  the  sick  quarters  in  the  city.  Mr.  Smyth  was  more  for- 
tunate in  a  third  attempt,  escaping  from  Baltimore  to  New 
York,  where  Sir  William  IIowc  gave  him  a  company  in 
the  Queen's  Rangers. 

Mr.  Cameron  did  not  obtain  his  release  till  the  winter  of 
1778,  when,  from  a  series  of  extreme  hardships  and  abuses, 
his  health  was  so  much  impaired,  and  he  only  enabled  to 
walk  on  crutches,  that  he  was  incapable  of  service.  This 
he  accounted  his  greatest  misfortune ;  he  therefore  came  to 
England,  bearing  with  him  the  most  unequivocal  and  mel- 
ancholy testimonials  of  his  loyalty.  Here  he  recovered  in 
so  astonishing  a  manner,  that  scarcely  any  visible  marks  of 
lameness  remain.  I  am  sorry  to  add,  he  has  not  been  pro- 
vided for  in  that  mode  in  which  he  is  again  become  capable 
of  acting,  with  honour  to  himself,  and  advantage  to  society. 

When  Congress  first  tied  from  Philadelphia  to  Baltimore, 
they  left  only  a  small  committee  of  their  body  to  act  in 
concert  with  the  Council  of  Safety.  I  had  now  been  im- 
mured within  the  iidiospitable  walls  of  a  gaol  for  upwards  of 
a  year,  deprived  of  all  exercise,  cut  otf  from  all  social  inter- 
course, and  my  mind  preyed  upon  by  eternal  chagrine,  by 
reiterated  reflections  on  what  I  hoped  to  have  performed, 
and  what,  were  I  free,  I  might  still  perform :  no  wonder 
that  my  state  of  health  became  truly  deplorable.  I  had  con- 
tracted a  complication  of  disorders;  my  legs  were  swollen, 
and  I  was  emaciated  to  a  surprising  degree.  Solitude  itself 
was  become  more  solitary,  for  the  very  [)rison  was  deserted, 
and  I  only  remained.  At  this  crisis,  two  members  of  the 
Council  of  Safety  came  to  inform  me,  I  must  prepare  to 
move  to  the  southward  ;  to  which  I  replied,  that  my  health 


la  ii 


32 


Nnrrntive  of  John  Cnnnolhj,  Loyalist. 


ilil 


!  ' 


I!  i'l 


)'■ 


was  BO  fur  inipnirod,  of  wliicli  they  seeing  ine,  would  not 
avoid  being  convinced,  T  was  no  longer  able  to  encounter 
the  diflicultics  to  which  I  siiw  others  exposed,  and  that  if 
they  meant  to  continue  my  existence,  they  must  suffer  me 
to  procure  a  carriiii';o,  and  go  on  my  parole.  To  this  they 
assented,  moved,  as  I  imagined,  by  the  spectacle  they 
beheld ;  and  I  was  in  hourly  expectation  of  a  partial  relief, 
which,  however,  I  di<l  not  obtain,  till  my  brother,  now 
become  a  General  in  the  service  of  Congress,  came  to  com- 
mand at  rhihuK'lphia.  Through  his  interest,  and  becom- 
ing- responsible  tor  my  appearance  when  demanded,  I  was 
enlarged  upon  my  parole,  and  sent  to  his  house  in  the 
country,  where  T  was  allowed  five  miles  distance  to  ride  for 
the  recovery  of  my  health.  This  was  fourteen  months  after 
my  first  becoming  a  prisoner  at  Hager's  town. 

I  remaini'd  here  between  five  and  six  weeks,  and  was  then 
remanded  back  to  prison,  where  I  continued  about  six 
weeks  longer,  with  the  liberty,  however,  of  walking  in  the 
gaol  yard  during  the  day.  My  health  had  been  too  radically 
impaired  to  be  so  suddeidy  re-established,  which  being  rep- 
resented to  Congress,  I  was  again  admitted  to  live  at  my 
brother's  on  my  ])arole,  though  not  till  he  had  entered  into  a 
high  pecuniary  ol)ligation  with  the  Council  of  Safety  for  my 
appearance. 

I  now  began  to  hope,  that  austerity  and  persecution  were 
past,  and  that  henceforth  I  should  be  allowed  something 
like  those  liberties  which  ofKcers,  under  such  circumstances, 
usually  enjoy,  till  my  exchange  could  be  effected.  I  was 
miserably  deceived.  I  continued,  in  this  comparatively 
happy  situation  from  the  11th  of  April,  1777,  till  the  14th 
of  October  following,  when  Congress,  once  more  obliged  to 
fly  from  riiiUulelpbia  at  the  approach  of  Sir  Williain  Howe, 
retired  to  York  Town,  in  the  vicinity  of  my  brother's  house. 
The  night  of  the  14th  I  was  again  apprehended,  by  an  order 
from  the  board  of  war :  my  papers,  with  every  scrap  of 
manuscript  they  could  collect,,  seized,  and  myself  hurried 
away  to  York-Town  prison,  close  locked  up,  and  every  for- 
mer severity  renewed.    I  was  conscious   of  having  done 


Nnrralivf.  nf  John  Crmnolly,  Tjoyaltid. 


88 


nothing  to  merit  this  treatment,  and  imagined,  that  as  it 
might  How  from  muw  malicioua  misrepresontation  of  my 
having  given  sceret  intelligence  to  the  British  army,  I  should 
ho  enlarged  as  soon  as  my  innoeence  appeared.  But  my 
predi(;tion  was  drawn  from  reHectiona  on  justice,  candour, 
and  humanity,  and  I  was  a  false  prophet.  My  papers  were 
returned,  and  I  was  taught  to  hope  for  my  former  indul- 
gence ;  hut  days  and  months  elapsed,  and  I  was  still  a 
prisoner.  The  convention  of  Saratoga  put  so  many  per- 
sons of  consequence  into  the  possession  of  Congress,  that 
the  prospect  of  either  humane  usage,  or  exchange,  was  very 
faint. 

Inconsequence  of  a  recommendation  from  Congress,  laws 
were  passed  in  some  Provinces,  that  whoever  among  the 
Loyalists  should  return,  within  a  time  specified,  and  hecome 
subject  to  the  Republic,  should  have  their  estates  restored. 
Wlien  this  act  took  place  in  Virginia,  I  was  earnestly  so- 
licited to  renounce  my  allegiance,  and  again  enjoy  my  lands 
and  liberty.  But  harrassed  as  I  had  been,  and  unhappy 
as  I  was,  without  one  earthly  comfort,  and  scarce  a  future 
ray  of  hope,  this  proposition  was  peremptorily  rejected : 
at  the  risk  of  a  lingering  death,  I  preferred  my  honour 
and  my  loyalty  to  every  inferior  consideration.  I  was  de- 
barred the  rights,  but  could  not  forget  the  duties  of  a  good 
subject. 

York-Town  gaol,  where  I  was  now  confined,  was  so 
crowded  with  British  prisoners,  it  being  the  stage  for  such 
as  were  marching  southward,  exclusive  of  those  that  were 
resident,  that  at  length  a  contagious  fever  appeared.  About 
this  time  Congress  appointed  a  day  of  thanksgiving  to  be 
observed  throughout  the  United  States,  and  their  proclama- 
tion was  replete  with  professions  of  piety,  benevolence,  and 
charity  towards  their  enemies.  This  I  thought  a  proper 
time,  by  a  firm  atid  candid  representation  of  facts,  to  draw 
their  attention  towards  the  miserable  condition  of  the 
prison,  and,  in  concurrence  with  the  opinion  of  some 
officers  who  signed  the  paper,  I  wrote  and  sent  them  the 
following  remonstrance : 


! 


1*' 


y 


34 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


\      ■  ' 


*  ;* 


n 

! 


1  if 


14  J 


if 


I!' 


To  THE  Hon.  Henry  Laurens,  Esq.  : 

May  it  please  your  Honour,  We  the  subscribing  persons, 
prisoners  of  war,  having  underwent  a  series  of  calamitous 
confinement  equal  to  the  utmost  rigour  (which  has  given 
cause  to  loud  com}»Uiint)  had  the  pleasing  prospect  of  seeing 
a  period  to  such  atflictions  by  an  exchange  of  otticcrs,  or  by 
that  humane  interposition,  which,  in  such  cases,  marks  the 
character  of  a  civilized  and  Christian  people;  but  uidiap- 
pily  find  ourselves  disappointed.  We  beg  leave  to  remind 
your  Honour,  of  the  nmltitude  of  prisoners  taken  by  his 
Majesty's  forces,  who  have  been  restored  to  their  friends, 
and  their  distress  alleviated  by  a  dismission  from  captivity. 
Whilst  we  have  beheld  a  succession  of  sucli  events  extend- 
ing to  almost  all  ranks  of  American  prisoners,  we  are  sorry 
to  say,  that  our  miseries  have  been  aggravated  by  a  most 
criminal  imprisonment,  in  a  loathsome,  crowded  jail  in- 
fected with  a  contagious  fever,  and  polluted  with  noisome 
smells  through  every  part.  Could  any  motives,  founded 
upon  reasons  even  of  a  political  nature,  be  urged  in  justifi- 
cation of  the  treatment  we  experience,  it  would  ap[)ear  to 
us  less  objectionable;  but  when  we  are  satisfied  that  difi'er- 
ent  gentlemen,  in  every  respect  in  similar  circumstances 
with  ourselves,  who  were  born  and  educated  in  this  country, 
have  been  admitted  to  generous  favours,  sent  into  the  British 
lines,  either  on  parole,  or  exchanged,  and,  in  every  other 
respect,  treate<l  only  as  unfortunate,  we  find  ourselves  utterly 
at  a  loss  to  account  for  the  peculiarity  of  our  persecution. 
In  your  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States,  it  is 
therein  publicly  declared,  that  you  have  studiously  endeav- 
oured to  alleviate  the  captivity  of  your  enemies.  Wc  most 
heartily  wish  we  could  subscribe  to  this  assertion;  but  how 
is  it  possible,  when  sixteen  months  imprisonment,  of  the 
most  distressing  nature,  is  the  shortest  time  of  which  any 
of  us  complain?  SuV)ject  to  all  the  indignities,  and  low  in- 
sults, of  an  illiberal  gaoler  and  turnkey,  and  placed  upon 
the  same  footing  with  horse-thieves,  deserters,  negroes,  and 
the  lowest  and  most  despicable  of  the  human  race  ?  To 
cultivate  the  assistance  of  Heaven  by  acts  which  Heaven 


I 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist.  $$ 

opposes,  is  a  recommendation  trnly  laudable.  But  whether 
the  complaints  which  we  thus  exhibit,  can  be  agreeable  to 
the  benignity  of  the  Divine  Ruler  of  Heaven,  we  submit  to 
the  dispassionate  determination  of  your  Honour.  We  beg 
leave,  finally,  to  observe,  that  as  this  gaol  is  a  stage  for  all 
prisoners  moving  to  the  westward,  that  such  as  are  sick, 
lame,  or  otiierwise  disabled,  are  left  behind,  and  as  the 
yard,  and  every  part  of  it,  is  truly  odious,  from  the  disa- 
greeable smell,  and  unfit  to  maintain  life,  we  intreat  your 
Honour  to  lay  this  our  Remonstrance  before  Congress, 
earnestly  soliciting  them  to  admit  us  to  our  paroles  in  any 
part  of  the  country,  or  in  some  other  manner  to  extend 
their  humanity  towards  us,  which,  from  our  sufierings  and 
your  declarations,  we  have  the  greatest  reasons  to  expect. 
We  are,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient. 

Humble  servants, 

John  Connolly, 
Richard  W"  Stockton, 
Charles  Harrison, 
AsHER  Dunham, 
Robert  Morris, 
Francis  Frager. 
York-Town  Gaol,  May  17,  1778, 


iS  I 


This  Address  was  productive  of  the  following  Resolve  of 
Congress,  and  Report  from  the  Board  of  War  : 

In  Congress,  May  23d,  1778. 

Whereas  it  appears  probable  that  attempts  are  making  to 
misrepresent  the  conduct  of  these  United  States  towards  the 
prisoners  in  their  possession,  in  some  degree,  to  wipe  ofi'  or 
counterbalance  the  just  reproach  that  has  fallen  upon  our 
enemies  for  their  barbarity.  * 

Jiesolral,  Tliat  the  letter  from  John  Connolly  and  others, 
dated  York-Town  gaol,  May  the  17th,  1778,  together  with 
the  report  of  the  Board  of  War  upon  it,  be  published. 

At  a  Board  of  War,  22d  of  May,  1778.     The  Board, 


36 


Narrative  of  John  ConnoUy,  Loyalist. 


-  I 


*;» 


!■ 


\  J 


t. 


h 


r.: 

11 


:l; 


having  taken  into  consideration  the  letter  from  Doctor  John 
Connolly,  and  the  other  prisoners  of  war,  most  of  whom 
have  been  lately  removed  from  Carlisle  gaol,  into  the  prison 
of  the  County  of  York,  beg  leave  to  rej)ort  to  Congress : 

That,  forbearing  to  remark  upon  the  indecency  of  the 
terms  in  which  the  said  letter  is  conceived,  and  which  is 
calculated  for  other  purposes  than  merely  to  relate  their 
pretended  grievances,  the  board  will  lay  before  Congress  the 
facts  which  they  have  collected  from  Major  Wilson,  com- 
manding at  Carlisle,  during  the  residence  of  Major  Stock- 
ton, and  other  ofHcers  of  his  party  in  the  gaol  of  that  place. 
.  .  .  From  Mr.  Thomas  Peters,  Deputy  Commissary  of 
prisoners,  who  had  the  charge  during  the  winter,  of  the 
prisoners  at  Carlisle  and  York,  from  Doctor  Henry,  em- 
ployed to  attend  the  British  prisoners,  when  sick  .  .  .  and 
from  Colonel  Pickering,  one  of  the  board,  who  visited 
the  gaol  of  this  place.  From  the  concurrent  testimony 
of  all  which  gentlemen,  the  account  given  by  the  prisoners, 
in  the  said  letter,  appears  to  be  founded  in  misrepresenta- 
tion. 

Major  Wilson,  who  was  fn^qucntly  called  in  by  the  officers 
themselves  to  examine  their  situatiun  at  Carlisle,  agrees  with 
the  Commissary  of  prisoners. 

That  as  often  as  eitlier  of  these  gentlemen  visited  the 
gaol  at  Carlisle,  the  officers,  being  six  in  imml)er,  had  the 
privilege  of  the  whole  gaol,  except  such  part  as  the  gaoler 
occupied,  and  one  room  entirely  to  themselves;  and, 
although  the  criminals  were  under  the  same  roof,  yet  they 
were  so  far  from  being  crowded,  that  there  were  not  in  the 
said  gaol  more  than  six  or  seven  prisoners  at  a  time  (and 
the  most  of  these  Tories)  on  an  average,  during  the  con- 
finement of  the  officers  at  tluit  place.  That  the  gaol  was  as 
clean  as  such  phuics  can  be  kept ;  and  if  it  had  not  been  so, 
the  fault  would  have  lain  with  the  officers,  who  were  in- 
dulged with  two  servants  to  attend  them  for  the  purposes 
of  cleansing  their  apartment,  and  waiting  on  their  persons. 
These  (jfficers  too,  were  conlined  by  order  of  the  Cotnmis- 
sary  General  of  prisoners,  as  a  retaliation  for  those  of  our 


li." 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist 


m 


array  suiFering  every  degree  of  insult  and  cruelty,  which 
British  haughtiness  and  inhumanity  could  inflict,  in  the 
provost  and  dungeons  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 
This  being  the  reason  of  their  confinement,  and  the  fore- 
going the  situation  of  it,  the  board  conceive  their  imprison- 
ment was  of  the  mildest  nature,  when  compared  with  the 
riffours  of  that  of  our  own  officers.  .  .  .  But  the  gaol  at 
Carlisle  not  being  secure,  the  Deputy  Commissary  of 
prisoners,  removed  them  to  the  prison  of  this  place,  wherein 
was  confined  Doctor  John  Connolly,  for  the  same  causes 
which  induced  and  continue  their  present  imprisonment; 
and  for  other  reasons  of  policy  and  prudence,  Doctor  Con- 
nolly having  also  sundry  times  behaved  amiss  while  on 
parole. 

In  the  gaol  at  York,  these  prisoners  (seven  only  in  num- 
ber) have  two  airy  rooms ;  the  one  fifteen  by  twenty  feet, 
and  the  other  something  less,  besides  the  privilege  of  the 
whole  gaol  yard,  which  is  sixty  yards  long,  and  eighteen 
wide  .  .  .  frequently  swept,  and  kept  as  clean  as  possible, 
and  by  no  means  polluted  with  filth,  &c.,  there  being  a 
privy  at  the  extreme  end  of  the  yard.  These  gentlemen 
too,  have  three  servants  to  attend  them  .  .  .  their  com- 
plaints, then,  of  being  confined  in  a  loathsome,  crowded 
prison,  infected  with  a  contagious  fever,  and  polluted  with 
noisome  smells  through  every  part,  are  not  warranted  by 
facts.  The  gaol  is  made  a  place  of  temporary  confinement 
for  passing  prisoners,  but  is  never  crowded,  and  there  are 
now  only  nine  privates  therein,  and  three  of  them  are  the 
officers'  servants,  although  it  is  capable  of  holding,  conven- 
iently, one  hundred  and  sixty  prisoners.  There  was,  some 
time  ago,  an  apprehension,  in  a  part  of  the  gaol,  distant 
from  the  officers'  apartments,  that  a  contagious  fever  liad 
broke  out  among  the  soldiers :  but  the  diseased  were  im- 
mediately removed  to  hospitals,  and  a  surgeon  and  nurses 
provided  for  them,  and  every  assistance  ottered  them  the 
nature  of  our  attUirs  would  admit.  The  gaol  is  now  jlean 
and  healthy,  save  that  there  are  five  soldiers  who  have 
fevers,  from  want  of  exercise  and  other  causes  common  to 

4 


.* 


i 


i 


38 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyaliat. 


'f 

i     ! 


m 


W     u 


*    I 


places  of  confinement ;  but  tlie  disorders  are  not  contagious 
or  dangerous. 

Mr.  (■onnolly,  althoiigli  indulged  with  every  thing  a 
prisoner  could  reasonably  wish,  has  repeatedly  represented 
his  own,  and  the  situation  of  the  gaol,  in  similar  terms  with 
the  letter  now  under  consideration;  and  the  former,  and 
this  board,  have  often  had  consefjuent  examinations,  in  all 
of  which,  they  found  the  complaints  groundless.  .  .  .  Once, 
particularly,  when  Mr.  Connolly  represented  himself  at  the 
point  of  death  from  the  severity  of  his  confinement,  the 
board  directed  Doctor  Shippen  to  visit  him,  who  reported 
that  his  situation  was  directly  opposite  to  his  representation  ; 
his  indisposition  slight,  and  merely  of  an  hypochondriac 
nature;  the  board  have  been  so  particular  for  several 
reasons,  one  whereof  is,  to  supercede  the  necessity  of  future 
enquiries ;  and  are  ii}>on  the  whole  of  opinion,  that  these 
gentlemen  should  be  more  strictly  confined,  as  from  the 
indulgence  now  given  them,  there  is  a  probability  of  some 
of  them,  at  least,  making  their  escape. 

By  order  of  the  Board, 

Richard  Peter. 

Pul)lished  by  order  of  Congress, 

Chakles  Thompson,  Secrdari/. 

l!^otbing  can  have  a  greater  appearance  of  dispassionate 
candour,  if  we  except  the  expression  Tories,  than  this  re- 
port; yet  nothing  was  ever  more  abundant  in  chicane  and 
deceit.  On  the  17th  of  May,  the  date  of  our  letter,  the  gaol 
was  exactly,  literally,  in  the  state  we  represented  it  to  be : 
on  the  23d  of  the  same  month  it  was  what  their  report  af- 
firms. But,  in  the  interim,  so  industrious  were  they  to  give 
their  proceedings  every  appearance  of  truth,  as  well  as  of 
humanity,  one  hundred  and  fifty  privates  had  been  sent 
away,  some  of  the  sick  removed,  the  gaol-yard  thoroughly 
cleaned,  and  our  rooms  whitewashed.  They  then,  with  an 
ostentatious  formality,  examined  the  prison,  and  made  their 
rei)ort.  But  was  it  probalde,  was  it  possible,  that  men  could 
have  the  temerity,  knowing  themselves  in  the  power  of  an 


Narrative  of  Jolin  Connolly,  Loyalid.  00> 

unforgivinc^  onerny,  or  the  audacity,  making  pretension  to 
the  cliaracter  of  gentlemen,  to  atHrin  such  direct  falsehoods 
as  their  report  made  our  letter  to  contain  ?  Or  if  one  were 
so  spleen-ridden,  as  to  magnify  his  miseries  so  excessively, 
Avould  five  other  gentlemen  have  written  their  names,  and 
disgraced  themselves  in  attestation  of  his  visions?  No: 
Rouzed  by  a  retrospection  of  things  that  could  not  he  justi- 
fied, and  irritated  that  men  should  dare  to  speak  the  plain 
truth,  they  remove,  in  some  measure,  the  cause  of  the  com- 
plaint, and  then  afiirm  it  never  existed  :  they  are  afraid  the 
tale  should  be  told  to  their  confusion,  therefore  resolve  to 
tell  it  first  themselves.  No  other  excuse  can  be  adduced  to 
plead  for  the  duplicity  of  their  conduct,  but  the  often  reiter- 
ated one  of  political  necessity.  This,  perhaps,  may  justify 
them  to  themselves,  and  to  the  world,  as  politicians,  but 
will  not  invalidate  my  claim  to  distinction  from  the  nation 
in  whose  cause  I  suffered.  It  will,  likewise,  if  admitted, 
be  a  melancholy  proof,  that  politics  and  justice  are  things, 
in  their  own  nature,  very  distinct  and  heterogeneous. 

There  are  other  things  in  this  report  which  I  would  wish 
should  be  particularly  noticed.  Retaliation,  and  other 
reasons  of  polici/  and  prudence,  are  there  assigned  as  the 
causes  of  my  continued  imprisonment.  I  hope  this  will  be 
remembered,  because  very  different  motives  are  given  here- 
after. It  is  likewise  there  asserted,  I  had  sundry  times 
behaved  amiss  while  on  parole :  this,  upon  the  Avord  and 
honour  of  a  gentleman,  I  totally  deny.  I  must,  likewise, 
remark,  that  their  other  reasons  of  policy  and  prudence 
were  evidently  the  conviction  they  had  of  my  determination 
to  leave  nothing  unessayed  to  serve  his  Majesty.  They 
knew  me  to  be  an  enterprizing,  and,  as  may  ho  adduced 
from  the  former  part  of  this  narrative,  a  dangerous  enemy; 
and,  therefore,  would  not  suffer  me  to  escape.  These  wei-e 
reasons  of  policy  and  prudence. 

Another  effort  is  made  to  impugn  my  veracity,  by  saying, 
that  Dr.  Shijipen,  when  he  visited  me,  found  my  situation 
directly  o[)[)osite  to  my  reiu'csentation  :  that  my  indisposi- 
tion was  slight,  and  merely  of  a  hypochondriac  nature.     To 


J 


(I 


40 


Narrative  of  John  Connolli/f  LoyaVid. 


hi 


I 

I' 


this  I  answer,  tliat  when  this  visitation  was  made,  I  liail  lo.st 
my  appetite :  liad  an  incessant  watchfulness ;  was  reduced 
to  a  skeleton  ;  had  hlisters  upon  my  neck  ;  was  incapable  of 
walking  across  the  room  ;  and,  for  the  two  preceding  nights, 
my  brother  officers  had  very  humanely  sat  up  with  me. 
That  melancholy  and  hypochondria  should  be  generated  in 
such  a  situation  is  not  to  be  wondered  at ;  but  surely  these 
were  indications  of  something  more  than  a  slight  indis- 
position. 

Here,  that  is,  in  York-Town  gaol,  I  remained  till  the 
evacuation  of  Philadelphia  by  the  British  army;    when, 
just  before  the  return  of  Congress  to  that  city,  I  was  in- 
formed, officially,  that  a  general  exchange  had  taken  place, 
and  that  I,  amongst  others,  was  exchanged :  but  before  the 
final  departure  of  Congress,  this  information,  though  from 
the  Board  of  War,  was  contradicted.     Towards  the  latter 
end  of  July,  a  still  stronger  assurance  of  approaching  liberty 
arrived.     A  letter  from  the  American  Commissary  General 
of  Prisoners  came  to  York-Town,  wherein  it  was  required 
that  I,  with  my  brother  officers,  should  be  inmiediately  for- 
warded to  Elizabeth  Town,  to  be  exchanged.     I  was  now 
admitted  to  my  parole  (be  pleased  to  observe)  as  a  prisoner 
of  icar,  and  obtained  a  passport  for  myself  and  servant  to 
Philadelphia,  when  I  waited  on  the  Deputy  Commissary  of 
Prisoners,  and  shewed  him  my  passport.     He  informed  me, 
I  should  jiroceed  in  a  day  or  two,  took  my  address,  and 
recommentled   me   to  keep   within   my   lodgings.     1  was 
punctual  in  waiting  upon  him  at  the  time  mentioned,  when 
to  my  utter  surprize  and  chagrine,  he  told  me,  I  was  by 
order  of  Congress,  to  be  again  confined,  for  a  few  days,  in 
the  new  gaol,  until  that  Ijody  had  more  properly  considered 
of  the  admission  of  my  exchange,  whither  he  had  an  officer 
in  waiting  to  convey  me.     To  have  gained  my  parole,  to  be 
thus  far  advanced  on  my  way,  and  afterwards,  without  the 
least  cause,  to  be  so  cruelly  and  vexatiously  again  imprisoned, 
disturbed  me  so  much,  that  I  wrote  to  the  President  of  Con- 
gress, complaining  bitterly  of  the  length  of  my  confine- 
ment, and  evidently  studied  cruelty  of  my  treatment,  to 


Nairative  of  John   Connolly,  Loyalht. 


41 


which  I  received  no  answer.  I  then  addressed  myself  to 
General  Washington,  and  stated  the  peculiarity  of  my  case, 
who  wrote  me  a  short  reply  to  this  purport;  '*  That  he  had 
transmitted  my  letter  to  the  President  of  Congress,  but 
could  extend  no  relief  to  me,  as  I  was  the  immediate  prisoner 
of  that  body." 

It  was  on  the  5th  of  August,  1778,  that  I,  for  the  third 
time,  became  an  inhabitant  of  this  prison,  at  which  time  I 
became  acquainted  with  Captain  Hawker,  a  Gentleman  of 
great  philanthropy  and  liberality  of  sentiment,  and  to 
whom  I  owe  every  acknowledgment,  for  his  polite  atten- 
tions and  civilities  while  he  remained. 

My  irritation  of  mind  was  now  so  great,  that  a  dismal 
train  of  nervous  disorders,  established  in  my  habit  by  former 
sufferings,  were  revived  with  such  force,  that  sleep  and 
appetite  again  forsook  me,  and  I  fell  into  the  last  stage  of 
despondency.  I  wrote,  however,  on  the  12th  of  October, 
to  Congress,  informed  them  of  my  ungenerous  usage,  and 
claimed  the  treatment  of  a  prisoner  of  war.  I  ultimately 
demanded  a  personal  audience  of  a  Committee  of  Congress, 
in  order  to  know  wherefore  I  was  refused  to  be  exchanged, 
or  on  what  pretence  I  had  been  subjected  to  such  unpax'- 
allelcd  injustice  and  indignities.  The  olficers  who  signed 
the  before  recited  remonstrance,  were  Provincial,  not  British 
otficers,  born  and  bred  in  America ;  and  they,  as  well  as 
many  more  in  the  same  predicament,  had  been  exchanged, 
therefore  my  country  could  be  no  impediment.  Mr, 
Cameron,  who  had  been  taken  with  me  at  Hagar's  Town, 
had  been  so  also  of  course.  I  was  upon  that  ground  equally 
eligible.  I  therefore  declared  I  was  utterly  incapable  of 
accounting,  by  any  mode  of  reasoning,  for  my  peculiar 
detention,  and  required  to  receive  personal  and  authentic 
information. 

For  once  I  was  gratified,  and  brought  before  a  committee, 
where  having  l)rictly  recapitulated  my  causes  of  complaint, 
the  chairman  replied  to  the  following  purport : 

That  it  had  been  for  some  time  past  his  opinion,  which 
he  had  not  scrupled  to  communicate  to  Congress,  that  I 


i 


42 


Xairative  of  John  ConnoUij,  LoyuUd. 


*;' 


m 


\\  'I 


1/1 


I 


should  be  kept  in  close  custody,  until  Sir  John  Johnson 
was  delivered  up  to  them,  who,  he  asserted,  had  broken  his 
sacred  parole  given  to  General  Scuyler,  and  joined  the 
enemy;  since  which  time  he  had  been  committing  ravages 
upon  the  northern  frontiers,  with  a  body  of  light  troops  and 
Indians,  as  he  supposed  I  intended  to  do. 

To  this  I  answered,  that  a  })arole  or  honorary  obligation, 
I  presumed,  was  of  modern  date,  calculated  to  alleviate  the 
horrors  of  war ;  that  no  Gentleman  could  be  answerable 
for  any  but  himself;  that  I  had  been  admitted  to  my  parole 
above  a  year  ago,  Avhen  my  conduct  Avas  irreproachable,  and 
that  I  was  again,  without  the  least  cause  on  my  part,  thrown 
into  prison,  and  there  continued  for  another  year;  that 
much  had  been  said  about  the  infraction  of  my  parole, 
which  I  utterly  denied  to  have  been  the  case. 

To  this  they  replied,  I  certaiidy  had  not  adhered  to  the 
spirit  of  it,  for  that  I  had  spoken  against  their  proceed- 
ings, and  had  frequently  attempted  to  turn  them  into  ridi- 
cule. 

I  answered,  the  spirit  of  my  parole  was  so  indefinite  a 
phrase,  that  it  carried  no  accusation ;  that  it  was  impossible 
to  produce  an  instance,  and  that  nothing  of  this  nature  could 
be  affirmed,  except  in  vague  and  general  terms. 

The  final  objection  they  made  to  my  exchange,  turned 
upon  the  impropriety  of  my  being  considered  as  a  prisoner 
of  war.  They  said,  T  had  not  lieen  taken  at  the  head  of 
any  armed  troops,  but  privately  making  my  way  through 
the  country ;  and  one  of  them  asserted,  I  might  be  con- 
sidered as  amenable  to  law  martial,  as  a  spy;  but  at  the 
same  time  he  observed,  there  was  no  intention  of  treating 
me  as  such. 

This  was  an  accusation  of  so  strange  and  novel  a  nature, 
that  it  (ixcited  both  my  surprise  and  indignation  ;  and  I 
answered  it,  recapitulating,  that  I  had  been  now  almost 
three  years  a  prisoner,  in  which  space  I  had  been  three 
times  admitted  to  my  parole  on  their  own  authority;  that 
I  had  repeatedly  complained  to  them  of  the  harshness  of 
my  treatment,  and  the  length  of  my  imprisonment,  but 


Narrative  of  Julia  Connol/i/,  Loyalist. 


43 


that  thoy  never  betbie  had  allcdged  thi'i  crime  against  me 
in  their  justification ;  nor  was  it,  I  said,  possible,  witii  even 
a  shadow  of  truth.  I  was  the  King's  commissioned  officer, 
taken  in  the  execution  of  my  duty,  to  a  sovereign,  at  that 
time,  acknowledged  by  themselves.  America  was  not  a 
separate  state ;  no  independency  was  declared ;  no  penal 
laws  promulgated.  Neither  was  there  anything  to  8})y.  I 
was  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  country,  and  there  were 
no  armed  troops,  fortifications,  or  intrenchments,  to  be 
inspected ;  nay,  more,  themselves  knew  my  business  was 
not  to  give  intelligence,  but  to  act,  which  had  been  publicly 
declared  in  their  proceedings  concerning  me,  in  which  I  had 
been  acknowledged  a  prisoner  of  war. 

The  committee  at  length  promised  to  consider  and  report 
my  case  to  Congress,  and  as  my  health  was  so  exceedingly 
and  visibly  impaired,  gave  me  an  intimation,  that  if  I  were 
not  exchanged,  I  should  be  enlarged  on  parole,  I  was  then 
re-conducted  to  prison. 

As  the  sole  end  and  purport  of  this  narrative  is  to  show, 
that  I  was,  from  the  commencement  to  the  last  moment, 
firm  and  active  in  my  loyalty  ;  that  had  I  been  at  liberty,  I 
had  the  power  as  well  as  the  will  to  serve  my  sovereign  and  my 
country ;  that  Congress  were  conscious  of  this,  and  there- 
fore resolved  to  detain  me,  which  they  did  in  an  extraordi- 
nary manner,  and  quite  distinct  from  any  other  Loyalist, 
during  the  whole  contest ;  I  therefore  hope  my  prolixities 
will  be  forgiven,  and  my  endeavours  to  exhibit  myself  and 
Hutterings  such  as  they  really  were,  considered  not  as  the 
etiusions  of  vanity,  but  a  strict  and  literal  representation  of 
facts,  in  order  to  obtain  justice :  that  I  shall  be  indulged 
with  a  patient  hearing,  while  I  contrast  the  assertions,  and 
shew  the  incongruities  of  the  opposite  party ;  and  that, 
while  I  "  extenuate  nought,  nor  aught  set  down  in  malice," 
I  shall  not  be  thought  guilty  of  magnifying  my  own  mis- 
fortunes, or  the  political  injuries  of  my  enemies. 

Permit  me  then  to  remark,  that  in  the  report  of  the  23d 
of  May,  retaliation  for  the  sufferings  of  American  prisoners, 
and  other  reasons  of  policy  and  prudence,  were  assigned 


if 


rii 


1 1  ■ " 


t 


I  f 


Hi 


44 


NdiTdtive  of  John  Chnnolli/,  Lnyolid. 


for  the  causes  of  my  imprisonment;  but  since  that,  having 
been  more  closely  pressed  for  my  release,  and  having  no 
good  reason  to  alledgo  why  I  should  not  be  exchanged  as 
well  as  others,  they  answered,  for  the  first  time,  that  I  ml<iht 
be  considered  as  amenable  to  law  martial  as  a  Spy,  but  gra- 
ciously gave  me  to  understand,  they  would  not  toialbi  pro- 
ceed to  such  extremities.  They  had  still  a  farther  subterfuge. 
The  following  note  was  sent  me  a  few  days  after  the  above 
hearing  from  the  committee  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
application  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Connolly,  request  that 
gentleman  will  inform  them  of  his  reasons  for  not  producing 
and  pleading  his  commission,  at  the  time  he  was  first  taken, 
and  for  a  considerable  time  afterwards. 

Thursday  12  o'clock. 

It  appears  really  astonishing,  to  think  that  a  body  of  men 
could  suffer  such  a  note  to  escape  them,  when  my  papers 
had  several  times,  and  my  commission  among  the  rest,  been 
examined ;  but  the  fact  was,  they  wanted  to  publish  some- 
thing to  the  world,  that  should,  in  my  case,  have  at  least 
the  semblance  and  plausibility  of  justice.  However,  I  made 
them  so  cautious  an  answer,  that  they  were  obliged  to  drop 
this  plea,  and  once  again  take  refuge  under  the  Spy.  Ac- 
cordingly, in  about  two  months  after  this  committee  first 
gave  me  a  hearing,  and  pretended  to  examine  into  the  true 
state  of  the  business,  the  following  report  and  resolve  of 
Congress  were  published : 

Congress,  Nov.  12,  1778. 

The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  a  letter  from  John 
Beatty,  Commissary  of  Prisoners,  dated  September  15th, 
1778,  together  with  two  letters  from  Joshua  Loring,  Esq. ; 
of  the  1st  of  September  and  28th  of  October,  and  sundry 
letters  from  John  Connolly,  report  the  following  state  of 
facts : 

That  Doctor  John  Connolly  (now  stiliiig  himself  Lieu- 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loijalid. 


45 


tenant-Colonel  in  the  BritiBli  service)  was,  in  the  latter  end 
of  November,  1775,  apprehended  in  Frederick  county,  in 
Maryland,  in  company  with  a  certain  Allen  Cameron,  and 
John  Smyth,  by  the  Committee  of  Inspection  of  that  county. 
That  at  the  time  he  was  taken,  he  was  not  in  arms,  or  at 
the  head  of  any  i)arfy  of  men  in  arms,  but  was  clandestinely 
making  his  way  to  Detroit,  in  order  to  join,  give  intelligence 
to,  and  otherwise  aid  the  garrison  at  that  place,  as  apj)ear8 
by  his  own  interce}tted  letters  of  the  16th  of  Decendjer,  1775. 

That  a  number  of  otHcers  in  the  British  service,  who 
were  made  ]>ris()iu,'rs,  long  after  the  said  John  Connolly 
was  apprehended,  have  been  exchanged  in  course;  and  no 
denuvnd  has  been  made  (till  within  these  few  months  past) 
by  any  British  General,  for  the  release  or  exchange  of  the 
ollic'or  last-mentioned. 

With  respect  to  the  treatment  of  the  said  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Connolly,  the  Committee  report : 

That  at  the  time  when  he  was  first  apprehended,  he  was 
contined  under  guard,  by  the  Committee  of  Inspection  in 
the  town  of  Frederick,  in  an  apartment  separate  from  his 
associates,  ^vithout  any  circumstance  to  aggravate  his  cap- 
tivity, except  the  being  debarred  the  use  of  pen,  ink,  and 
paper:  That,  notwithstanding  this  restraint,  he  contrived 
to  write  several  letters  of  intelligence  to  the  British  officers 
commanding  at  the  posts  of  Detroit  and  Kuskuskis,  which 
letters  were  found  on  the  person  of  Dr.  Smyth,  one  of  his 
associates,  who,  having  escaped  from  the  town  of  Frederick, 
was  again  apprehended : 

That  by  the  resolution  of  Congress,  of  the  8th  of  De- 
cendjcr,  1775,  he  was  ordered  to  be  contined  in  prison  at 
Philadelphia;  that  being  brought  to  that  city,  he  was  con- 
fined in  the  new  gaol,  wherein  he  continued  till  about  the 
month  of  ISTovendjer,  1776,  when  he  was  permitted,  on 
account  of  a  declining  state  of  health,  to  reside  on  his 
parole,  at  the  house  of  his  brother-in-law,  on  the  river 
Susquehannah,  where  he  continued  for  about  two  months ; 
when,  on  information  being  given  to  the  Council  of  Safety, 
of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  of  certain  suspicious  circum- 


m 


XuiTdlln   of  John   ( 'nnnollij,   Loi/a/lKf. 


ifi 


Btaiicos  relative  to  him,  lie  was  reniaiKled  to  his  former  place 
of  continciiitiit,  in  Aviiidi  lio  continued  till  about  tlio  Hpriug, 
1777,  when  ho  was  ai;aiii  permitted  oti  his  parole,  and  the 
security  of  liis  brother-in-law,  to  return  to  his  former  place 
of  residence  on  the  river  Sus(|neliannah  : 

That  during  these  jteriods  of  his  confinement  in  the  new 
gaol,  he  had,  for  the  greatest  part  of  the  time,  a  separate 
apartment  to  himself,  the  privilege  of  walking  in  the  yard, 
a  person  allowed  to  attend  him  in  Ids  apartment,  and  his 
own  servant  iicrmitted  to  fetch  him  such  necessaries  as  he 
chose  to  order. 

That  during  the  short  period,  wlii-n  he  had  not  a  separate 
apartment,  tliere  were  never  more  than  two  pt'rsons  in  the 
same  room,  seldom  more  than  one,  and  those,  some  of  his 
associates,  or  in  cons('({ucnce  of  his  particular  request: 

That  during  these  [leriods  of  time,  he  nuide  two  attempts 
to  escape,  in  which  he  was  detected  : 

That  on  authentic  information  beinij  <;iven  to  Conerress, 
at  York-Town,  that  the  said  Lieut.  Col.  John  Connolly, 
was  acting  in  a  numner  not  consistent  with  the  sjtirit  of  his 
parole,  and  the  frontiers  being  threatened  with  a  barbarous 
war,  in  which  there  was  reason  to  apprehend  he  was  designed 
as  an  instrument,  he  was  ordered  into  confinement  in  the 
gaol  at  York-Town  on  the  13th  of  October : 

That  on  the  17th  of  May,  the  said  J.  Connolly,  with 
several  others  confined  in  said  gaol,  made  a  representation 
to  Congress,  setting  forth  in  the  strongest  colouring,  the 
liardships  and  cruelties  which  they  declared  they  were  then 
suffering : 

That  on  the  result  of  a  strict  enquiry,  and  after  the  gaol 
had  been  visited  by  Colonel  I'ickcring,  one  of  tlie  members 
to  the  Board  of  War,  it  ai)peared,  that  the  suggestions 
contained  in  tin;  said  rejiresentation,  were  scandalous  and 
groundless ;  and  the  report  of  the  Board  of  War,  was,  on 
the  23d  day  of  May,  ordered  to  be  published  : 

That  since  the  evacuation  of  Phila(lel[)liia,  the  said  J, 
Connolly  was  remanded  to  the  new  gaol  in  that  city,  wliere 
(excepting   the  space  of  about  fourteen  days,  when   two 


Nairath'e  of  John  Connolli/^  Loifolist. 


47 


persons  were  necessarily  obliged  to  sleep  in  the  same  room) 
he  has  had  n  aepurate  and  commodious  apartment  of  his 
own  choice,  the  privilege  of  his  own  servant  to  attend  him 
constantly,  and  to  bring  him  whatever  he  may  recjuire,  and 
the  unrestrained  use  of  a  spacious  yard  to  take  the  air  in, 
during  the  day: 

That  in  his  letter  of  the  12th  of  October,  1778,  the  said 
J.  Connolly  declared,  "  That  the  common  rights  of  humanity 
are  denied  to  him,"  and  paints  his  situation  in  such  terms, 
as  would  tend  to  induce  a  belief,  that  the  most  wanton 
cruelties  and  restraints  are  imposed  upon  him: 

That  in  consequence  of  a  request  of  J.  Connolly,  to  be 
heard  in  person  by  Committee  of  Congress,  this  Committee 
have  complied  with  this  request,  when  he  declared,  in  pres- 
ence of  your  Conmiittee,  "  that,  excepting  the  restraint  of 
his  person,  under  the  limits  above-mentioned,  which,  how- 
ever indulgent  they  might  a}»pear,  he  conceived  unfavourable 
to  his  state  of  health,  he  experienced  every  other  relief  which 
could  be  extended  to  a  person  in  confinement :" 

That  Joshua  Loring,  Esq ;  British  Commissary  of  pris- 
oners, in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Beatty  of  the  first  of  September, 
1778,  threatens  to  retaliate  on  an  American  prisoner  at  war, 
of  equal  rank  with  Lieutenant  Colonel  Connolly,  for  the 
sufterings  which,  it  is  pretended  that  oflficer  endures." 
Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  Con- 
nolly, cannot  of  right,  claim  to  be  considered  and  treated 
as  a  prisoner  of  war;  but  that  he  was,  at  the  time  he  was 
apprehended,  and  still  is,  amoKtble  to  the  law  martial,  as  a  spy 
and  anissary  from  the  British  army :  .  .  .  that  the  repeated 
representations  made  by  Lieut.  Col.  John  Connolly,  of  the 
grievances  he  undergoes,  are  not  founded  on  fiicts :  .  .  . 
That  General  Washington  be  directed  to  transmit  the  fore- 
going resolutions  and  state  of  tacts,  to  the  Commander  in 
Chief  of  his  Britanic  Majesty's  forces  in  New- York;  and 
to  inform  the  said  officer,  that  if,  under  the  pretext  of 
retaliating  for  the  pretended  sufl:erings  of  a  person,  who, 
by  the  law  of  nations,  has  no  right  to  be  considered  as  a 
prisoner  of  war,  any  American  ofliecr,  entitled  to  be  con- 


1 

( 


I 


I 


48 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


(i 


sidered  and  treated  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  shall  undergo  any 
extraordinary  restraints  or  sufferings,  Congress  are  deter- 
mined to  retaliate  on  the  person  of  an  officer  of  the  first 
rank  in  their  possession,  for  every  species  of  hardship  or 
restraint  on  such  account  inflictod. 
Extract  from  the  minutes, 

Charles  Thompson,  Secretary. 

Though  the  inconsistencies  of  this  paper  are,  I  hope, 
evident  from  the  facts  before  related,  yet  as  they  may  not 
strike  a  mind  less  interested  with  the  same  force,  I  beg  to 
be  indulged  while  I  point  out  a  few  of  them. 

They  make  it  one  of  my  crimes,  that  although  I  was  de- 
barred the  use  of  pen,  ink,  and  paper,  I,  notwithstanding, 
contrived  to  write  several  letters  of  intelligence  to  British 
officers.  This  is  ridiculous;  for,  certainly,  if  I  had  the 
means,  it  was  as  much  my  duty  to  aid  my  Sovereign  when 
in  prison,  as  when  at  liberty,  I  not  having  given,  by  parole, 
any  promise  to  the  contrary. 

Another  of  my  sins  is,  that  I  made  two  attempts  to 
escape ! 

Sometimes  they  call  me  Doctor,  sometimes  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  and  sometimes  John  Connolly;  but  when  they 
speak  ot  the  lex  talionis,  they  threaten  to  retaliate  on  the 
person  of  an  officer  of  the  first  rank  in  their  possession. 

Another  part  of  their  report  is  contrary  to  truth :  after 
the  evacuation  of  Philadelphia,  they  say  I  was  raaanded  back 
to  tho  new  gaol  in  that  city.  The  tact  is  as  before  related ; 
I  was  going  from  York-Town  to  Elizabeth-Town,  on  my 
parole,  to  be  exchanged,  and  was  stopped  at  Philadelphia ; 
but  it  did  not  suit  their  purpose  to  state  it  in  this  light. 

They  say  no  demand  has  been  made,  till  within  these  few 
months  past,  by  any  British  General  for  my  release,  or  ex- 
change. This  is  an  equivocation  which  must  be  explained 
in  justice  to  Sir  William  Howe.  I  had  come  down  to  Phil- 
adelphia, in  consequence  of  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners ; 
which,  previous  thereto,  could  never  be  settled,  owing  to 
the  impediments  inseparable  from  a  state  of  wariare  in  a 


i     > 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


49 


rebellion.  It  could  not,  therefore,  militate  against  that  com- 
mander, as  inattentive  to  the  cond'tion  of  a  loyal  American. 
I  must  likewise  acknowledge,  wJth  the  warmest  gratitude, 
the  zeal  with  which  Sir  Henry  Clinton  insisted  upon  my 
release,  although  this  equitable  and  generous  interference 
had  nearly  effected  my  destruction ;  for  finding  themselves, 
when  they  made  the  above  resolve,  in  possession  of  General 
Phillips,  and  othar  ofiicers  of  rank,  the  Congress  was  de- 
termined to  keep  me ;  and  the  threat  of  retaliation,  however 
disguised,  was  palpably  levelled  at  the  last-mentioned  Gen- 
eral, and  was,  in  f  ,ct,  a  plain  declaration  to  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton, that  I  should  not  then  be  exchanged. 

I  owe,  indeed,  every  obligation  to  Sir  Henry's  attention ; 
for  when  the  report,  which  the  emissaries  of  Congress  had 
propagated  that  I  was  not  commissioned,  reached  the  British 
lines ;  to  obviate  immediately  that  pretence,  and  all  undue 
advantages  that  might  be  taken,  had  my  commission  been 
lost  by  any  accident,  or  out  of  my  power  to  produce,  he 
instantly  caused  the  following  certificate  to  be  transmitted 
to  Philadelphia : 

Inspector  General's  Office,  New  York, 
November  27,  1778. 

This  is  to  certify,  that  John  Connolly,  Esq ;  was  appointed 

Lieutenant-Colonel  \n  his  Majesty's  service,  by  his  Excellency 

Lord  Dunmore;  and  said  Lieutenant-Colonel  Connolly  is 

now  confined  in  prison  by  the  enemy,  in  Philadelphia ;  and 

I  further  certify,  that  I  have  received  Lieutenant-Colonel 

Connolly's  full  subsistence,  up  to  the  25th  December,  1778, 

by  order  of  his  Excellency  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  Commander 

in  Chief  of  his  Majesty's  forces  in  ISTorth  America. 

H.  Rook, 

D.  I.  G.  P.  forces. 
(Copy  from  the  original.) 

I  shall  forbear  to  reason  upon,  or  take  any  further  notice 
of  that  part  of  their  report,  where  they  endeavour  to  shew 
I  had  not  endured  any  peculiar  hardships  in  my  imprison- 
ment, or  of  their  treating  me  as  a  spy  in  their  resolve,  having 


IS    ku 


^ 


i 


)/•> 


' 


\i  > 
H 

^  1 

If  i 


50 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalid. 


before  spoken  to  those  points,  but  shall  proceed  with  my 
narrative. 

Some  time  after  this,  Doctor  Berkenhout  arrived  at  Phila- 
delphia from  New  York,  and  was  imprisoned  on  some  sus- 
picions, by  which  accident  I  became  acquainted  with  that 
Gentleman,  and  much  conversation  passed  between  us  con- 
cerning the  most  probable  means  of  my  obtaining  my  liberty. 
Shortly  after  he  was  delivered  from  his  confinement,  an 
order  of  Congress,  under  the  signature  of  their  Secretary, 
came  to  the  keeper  to  lock  me  up  in  ray  room  (I  having 
then  the  privilege  of  walking  in  the  gaol  yard),  place  a  cen- 
tinel  at  my  door,  and  allow  no  person  whatever  to  converse 
with  me.  The  complexion  of  the  times,  the  formality  of 
the  order,  coming  immediately  too  from  Congress,  and  the 
strictness  with  which  it  was  enforced,  gave  me  reason  to 
believe  that  the  last  tragic  act  was  now  to  take  place,  and 
that  I  should  be  released  from  my  sufferings  by  execution  ; 
and  in  such  a  state  were  both  my  mind  and  body,  that  this 
imagination  gave  far  more  pleasure  than  pain.  I  remained 
in  this  suspense  for  six  weeks,  when  my  door  was  again 
thrown  open,  and  I  was  allowed  to  walk  in  the  yard. 

It  afterwards  appeared,  that  Mr.  Silas  Doane,  in  his  de- 
fence of  his  public  transactions  while  Ambassador  to  the 
Court  of  France,  had  affirmed,  he  had  discovered,  by  means 
of  his  emissaries  at  New  York,  that  Dr.  Berkenhout  had 
made  a  proposition  to  the  British  General,  to  suspend  all 
exchange  of  American  officers  till  I  was  admitted  to  be  ex- 
changed, and  that  I  was  then  to  be  sent  to  the  northward, 
to  carry  on  a  predatory  war,  whence  he  asserted,  he  had 
saved  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States  from  the  horrors 
of  Indian  hostilities.  This,  absurd  as  it  was,  and  calculated 
on  private  views  only,  was  the  cause  of  my  above  close 
confinement. 

Soon  afterwards  I  was  suddenly  attacked  by  a  cholera 
morbus,  and  continued  in  so  languishing  a  state,  that  in  the 
beginning  of  April,  1779,  a  certificate  of  my  infirmities  was 
signed  by  two  of  the  mbst  eminent  physicians  in  Philadel- 
phia, and  sent  by  them  to  Congress,  wherein  they  declared. 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


51 


that  unless  I  was  allowed  the  open  air,  I  must  fall  a  victim 
to  imprisonment,  on  which  I  was  allowed  to  ride  four  hours 
a  day,  within  the  limits  of  about  two  miles,  but  on  my 
parole,  obliged  to  return  every  niglft  to  confinement.  It 
was  intimated  likewise,  I  should  soon  be  sent  to  Reading 
and  exchanged ;  but  even  the  indulgence  of  riding  in  the 
open  air,  was  presently  prohibited,  and  I  again  shut  up  in 
prison. 

Thus  I  continued  till  the  17th  of  November,  at  which 
time,  in  consequence  of  the  return  of  General  Sullivan, 
from  his  expedition  against  Colonel  Butler  and  the  Indian 
auxiliaries,  in  which  lie  was  supposed  to  have  greatly  in- 
timidated those  people;  and  as  it  was  evident,  that  my 
health  was  in  a  manner  irreparably  impaired,  and  the  future 
of  the  war  more  favourable  to  Congress,  they  came  to  the 
following  resolve : 

In  Congress. 
Read  a  report  from  the  Board  of  War. 

Whereupon  resolved. 

That  the  Commissary-General  of  prisoners  be  authorized 
to  exchange  Lieutenant-Colonel  John  Connolly,  for  any 
Lieutenant-Colonel  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  now 
a  prisoner  with  the  enemy. 

By  order  of  Congress, 
Signed 

Charles  Thompson,  Secretary. 

I  was  quickly  after  sent  to  German  Town  on  parole,  and 
on  the  4th  of  July,  1780,  allowed  to  go  to  New-York  on 
the  following  conditions : 


Philadelphia. 

His  Excellency  General  Washington  having  granted  me 

permission  to  repair  to  the  City  of  New- York  on  parole, 

for  the  purpose  of  negociating  my  exchange  for  that  of 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Ramsay,  I  do  promise,  on  my  word  of 


;|" 


"I 


d< 


\%' 


52 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


honour  and  faith  as  a  e^entlenian,  that  I  will  jiass  from  here 
on  the  direct  road  to  the  aaid  City  of  New-York,  by  the 
way  of  Elizabeth  Town,  and  that  I  will  return  to  captivity 
at  the  expiration  of  one  month  from  tins  day,  unless  within 
that  time  the  above-mentioned  exchange  is  effected. 

I  do,  in  like  manner,  pledge  my  word  and  sacred  honour, 
that  I  will  not,  directly  nor  indirectly,  say  or  do  any  thing 
injurious  to  the  United  States  of  America,  or  the  armies 
thereof;  but  that  I  will  in  all  things  conduct  myself  as  a 
prisoner  of  war  ought  and  should  do,  under  the  indulgence 
granted  me. 

It  is  worthy  of  reniark,  that,  in  the  resolve.  Congress 
authorized  me  to  be  exchanged  for  any  Lieutenant-Colonel 
in  the  service  of  the  United  States ;  but  in  the  strange  parole, 
which  they  obliged  me  to  give,  they  insist  upon  a  particular 
person,  a  favourite  Colonel.  However,  that  all  necessity  of 
my  return  to  Philadelphia  might  be  totally  superseded,  the 
Commander  in  Chief  allowed  Colonel  Ramsay  to  set  oft'  on 
his  parole  immediately,  and  the  final  adjustment  of  the 
matter  was  dcfierred  till  the  25th  of  October,  1780,  at  which 
time,  after  sufiering  what  I  have  related,  in  an  imprisonment 
of  almost  five  years,  I  congratulated  myself  on  a  restoration 
to  liberty. 

I  was  no  sooner  free,  than  I  was  highly  solicitous  to  be 
employed  in  the  mode  most  likely  to  render  service.  I  had 
observed  that  Lord  Cornwallis,  now  advancing  from  the 
southward,  was  often  retarded  by  the  temporary  junction 
of  the  Militia  with  the  Congressional  troops.  I  knew  the 
country,  the  capacity  and  genius  of  these  men,  and  the 
necessity  of  obliging  them  to  attend  to  desultory  operations 
in  their  rear,  to  facilitate  his  Lordship's  gallant  endeavours. 
I,  therefore,  submitted  a  plan  to  the  consideration  of  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  wherein  I  proposed  attacking  some  out-posts 
on  the  frontiers  of  the  Middle  Colonies,  to  possess  myself 
of  Pittsburgh,  fortify  the  passes  of  the  Allegehcney  Moun- 
tains, and  with  Provincial  troops,  and  Lulian  auxiliaries, 
act  as  emergencies  might  require.      His   Excellency  was 


Narrative  of  John  OonnoUy,  Loyalist. 


53 


pleased  to  approve  of  tliis  measure ;  but  as  the  season  was 
too  far  advanced  to  arrive  in  proper  time  on  the  proposed 
field  of  action,  by  the  circuitous  route  of  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence and  the  lakes,  it  was  laid  aside. 

In  the  month  of  April,  1781,  I  found  myself  very  ill ; 
but  as  his  Excellency  intimated  early  in  June  a  wish  that 
I  should  join  the  army  under  Lord  Cornwallis,  though  I 
knew  the  danger  of  the  hot  climates  to  my  constitution  at 
that  time,  I  did  not  suffer  myself  to  hesitate  a  moment,  but 
obeyed.  I  had  hope,  too,  of  here  effecting  another  purpose ; 
about  which  I  was  extremely  anxious,  I  was  without  a 
regiment,  and  was  endeavouring  to  raise  one  at  JSTew-York; 
but  as  the  recruiting  tiiere  went  on  very  slowly,  I  flattered 
myself  I  might  be  enabled  to  coinpleat  my  corps  to  the 
southward;  and  before  my  departure,  his  Excellency  was 
pleased  to  confirm  my  rank  as  Lieutenant  Colonel  in  the 
Provincial  line. 

Having  joined  Lord  Cornwallis,  and  following  him  to 
York-Town,  an  enemy's  fleet  being  daily  expected  on  the 
coast,  his  Lordship  appointed  me  to  the  command  of  the 
Virginia  and  jSTorth  Carolina  Loyalists,  with  a  detachment 
of  the  York  Volunteers.  I  was  directed  to  move  down  to 
Back  River,  to  protect  the  inhabitants  of  the  Peninsula, 
lying  between  the  Chesapeak-Bay  and  James  River,  who 
were  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  armed  boats  from  the  east- 
ern shore  of  Virginia.  I  had  not  marched  above  five  miles 
on  this  expedition,  before  I  was  obliged  to  halt,  being  in- 
formed the  French  fleet  had  arrived,  and  that  two  seventy- 
four  gun  ships  were  actually  at  the  entrance  of  York-River. 
I  was,  therefore,  ordered  to  return  to  the  vicinity  of  York- 
Town. 

The  men  had  underwent  excessive  fatigue  in  pn  inclement 
climate;  had  been  obliged  to  drink  noxioi  .rater;  the 
horses  in  the  legionary  camp  were  lying  dead  in  numbers ; 
the  negroes  that  followed  the  army  could  hardly  be  buried 
fast  enough ;  and  the  putrescent  eftluvia,  that  consequently 
followed,  nuule  the  air  too  unwhok'sonioforthosniall  remains 
of  vigour  in  my  constitution  to  resist  its  eflects.     Lyin 


111 


iV 


64 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


'i 


the  field  brought  on  a  dysentery ;  I  was  obliged  to  go  into 
sick  quarters;  and  the  disorder  turned  to  a  debilitating  diar- 
rhcea,  that  reduced  nie  to  almost  the  last  extremity.  Re- 
maining in  the  town  Avas  certain  death ;  and  the  oidy  remedy 
was  a  change  of  air.  I  had  been  invited  by  some  loyal 
gentlemen  to  their  houses,  and  as  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Peninsula  had  either  been  admitted  to  parole,  or  had  taken 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  there  seemed  little  danger  in  accept- 
ing the  invitation  ;  yet,  as  it  was  possible,  though,  as  I  sup- 
posed, very  improbable,  I  might  again  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  desperate  as  my  state  of  health  then  certainly 
was,  I  would  not  venture  into  the  country  till  I  had  first 
informed  Lord  Cornwallis  of  my  wishes,  and  obtained  leave ; 
which  his  Lordship,  as  humane  as  he  is  brave,  instantly 
granted  by  the  following  note  : 


!  k' 


Sir, 


Head-Quarters,  21st  Sept.  1781. 


I  am  directed  by  Lord  Cornwallis  to  inform  you,  that  he 
most  readily  consents  to  your  going  to  the  country,  or  taking 
any  other  step  that  you  think  will  contribute  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  your  health ;  his  Lordship  wishes  you  a  speedy 
and  perfect  recovery ;  and  I  am  with  great  regard, 
Sir, 
your  most  obedient 

most  humble  Servant, 

A.  Ross,  Aid  du  Camp. 
Lt.  Col.  Connolly. 


I 

II  l^ 


Licapable  of  riding  on  horseback,  I  set  out  in  a  small 
sulkey,  attended  by  two  servants ;  and  on  the  road,  met  the 
gentleman  to  whose  house  I  was  going,  who  informed  me 
there  was  no  danger;  and  perceiving  me  to  be  very  weak 
and  exhausted,  went  with  me  to  a  contiguous  gentleman's 
house,  and  introduced  me  to  the  family,  advising  me  to 
repose  till  the  sun  declined,  by  which  time  he  would  return 
from  York-Town,  whither  he  was  going,  and  a(!company 
me  home.     My  friend  not  returning  so  soon  as  I  exi)ccted,  I 


i 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalid. 


55 


set  forward  without  him,  but  had  not  proceeded  far  before 
three  men,  with  fixed  bayonets,  rushed  out  of  u  thicket  and 
made  me  and  one  of  my  servants  prisoners. 

They  drove  my  carriage  into  a  forest  of  pines,  and  detained 
me  till  night  for  fear  of  a  rescue,  and  then,  by  secret  roads, 
conducted  me  to  a  place  called  New-Port-News,  where  I  first 
learnt  that  General  "Washington  was  arrived  at  Williams- 
burgh,  before  whom,  they  insisted  I  must  be  taken,  having 
no  respect  for  my  illness,  nor  any  conception  of  admitting 
a  prisoner,  in  such  a  predicament,  to  his  parole.  It  perhaps, 
was  happy  for  me,  that  they  did  not ;  for  the  air,  or  exercise, 
or  both,  had  such  an  etiect  upon  me,  that  when  I  was  put 
to  bed,  I  slept  upwards  of  three  hours;  a  refreshment  to 
which  I  had  been  long  a  stranger.  In  fact,  I  have  reason 
to  believe,  that  though  the  misfortune  of  captivity  seemed 
to  haunt  me,  yet,  in  this  instance  it  saved  my  life. 

From  hence  I  was  embarqued  in  a  whale  boat,  and  put  on 
board  a  French  ship  Armee  en  Flute,  when  I  had  the  good 
fortune  to  meet  with  Admiral  Barras,  with  the  Artillery 
officers  of  the  French  army,  who  treated  me  with  all  the 
tenderness  and  humanity,  which  the  feelings  and  politeness 
of  gentlemen  could  dictate.  The  next  day  I  was  sent  on 
shore  to  General  Lincoln,  wdio  behaved  to  me  with  every 
respect,  sent  one  of  his  Aids  to  accompany  me,  and  very 
obligingly  furnished  me  with  his  own  horse,  as  he  was 
remarkably  gentle  and  safe  and  no  carriage  to  be  had,  to 
carry  me  to  General  Washington. 

I  was  now  to  see  a  man  with  whom  I  had  formerly  been 
upon  a  footing  of  intimacy,  I  may  say  of  friendship.  Poli- 
tics might  induce  us  to  meet  like  enemies  in  the  field,  but 
should  not  have  made  us  personally  so.  I  had  small  time 
for  refiection ;  we  met  him  on  horseback  coming  to  view 
the  camp.  I  can  only  say  the  friendly  sentiments  he  once 
publicly  professed  for  me,  no  longer  existed.  He  ordered 
me  to  be  conducted  to  the  Marcjuis  de  la  Fayette's  quarters. 

From  the  Marquis  I  received  every  civility  and  attention  ; 
and  on  account  of  my  health,  was  entertained  by  him  for 
three  days,  when  being  solicitous  to  avoid  giving  trouble,  I 


r 


66 


NniraHvc  nf  John   Connnlhf,  LoynUxt. 


w 


ri 


I'- 1 


I' 

r 


was  sent  on  parolo  by  General  Wasliinirton's  orders,  about 
sixty  miles  back  into  the  country.     Here  I  remained  till  I 
heard  of  the  catastroi>he  at  York-Town,  and  that  the  British 
otKcers  were  generally  allowed  to  e^o  into  New-York.     I 
thereupon  wrote  to  the  American  Commissary  General  for 
passports,  but  could  obtain  no  satisfactory  answer.    I  applied 
to   General   Washinijton,   and  was   equally  disappointed. 
Being  left  alone,  as  it  were,  in  an  enemy's  country,  and 
no  authority  capable  of  granting  my  request   remaining, 
except  the  Govenor's  of  Virginia,  to  him  I  had  recourse. 
From  this  gentleman,  I  obtaitied  permission  to  go  to  Phila- 
delphia, on  receiving  a  written  assurance  from  me,  of  sub- 
mitting myself  there  to  those  who  had  the  supreme  direction 
of  prisoners.     I   did   not   reach  this  city  till  the  12th  of 
December,  when  I  applied  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  for 
leave  to  proceed  to  ISTew-York,  but  soon  found  I  had  un- 
expected  ditiiculties  to   encounter.     I  was   detained   at  a 
public  house  above  a  fortnight,  and  then  committed  to  prison 
by  the  following  warrant,  under  the  Seal  of  the  Common 
Wealth,  issued  by  the  Executive  Council,  and  signed  by  the 
I'resident,  a  copy  of  which  I  demanded  from  the  gaoler. 

You  are  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  receive  into 
your  custody,  a  certain  John  Connolly,  an  officer  in  the 
British  service,  charged  with  having  broke  his  parole,  given 
in  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  him  safely  keep  until  he  be 
delivered  in  due  course  of  law. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal,  in  the  Council  Chamber, 
this  twenty  eighth  of  December,  Anno  Domini,  1782. 

W.  MooiiE,  Presklent. 

To  the  keeper  of  the  gaol  of  the  city 
and  county  of  Philadelphia. 

The  above  is  a  true  copy  of  the  original  remaining  in  my 
hand. 

John  Reynolds,  Gaoler. 


r  , 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


67 


The  pretence  of  a  breach  of  parole  was  preposterous,  and 
to  be  delivered  from  confinement  for  such  an  offence,  by 
due  course  of  law,  was  more  so.  I  wrote  to  General  "Wash- 
ington on  the  occasion,  but  soon  discovered  he  did  not 
intend  I  should  have  left  Virginia,  and  appeared  determined, 
at  first,  that  I  should  return.  To  this  I  could  not  volun- 
tarily accede,  and  I  remained  in  prison  till  the  1st  of  March; 
when,  by  the  interposition  of  friends,  I  was  at  length  per- 
mitted to  go  to  New- York,  provided  I  went  from  thence  to 
Europe,  where  (at  New-York)  I  arrived  on  the  11th  of  the 
same  month. 

I  must  here  take  notice,  that  the  raising  of  my  intended 
regiment  became  no  longer  practicable,  as  the  officers  whom 
I  had  warranted  for  that  service,  with  the  recruits  raised  in 
Virginia,  had  shared  a  common  fate  with  the  army  at  York- 
Town  ;  and  those  that  remained  at  New- York,  as  soon  as 
the  war  became  merely  defensive,  were  drafted  into  another 
corps. 

When  the  fleet  sailed,  Sir  Guy  Carleton  gave  me  permis- 
sion to  come  to  England,  for  the  recovery  of  my  health, 
where  I  yet  continue  to  receive  my  subsistence,  as  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel in  the  Provincial  service,  as  will  appear  by 
the  annexed  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  State  to  his  Ex- 
cellency Sir  Guy  Carleton. 


Whitehall,  Feb.  24, 1783. 


Sir, 


Having  laid  before  the  king  a  letter  from  Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Delancey,  Adjutant-General  of  the  forces  under  your 
command,  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Coimolly,  acquainting  him 
that  some  difficulties  have  arisen  with  regard  to  the  pro- 
priety of  issuing  his  pay  in  North-America,  on  account  of 
his  absence  upon  leave.  I  am,  in  obedience  to  his  Majesty's 
commands,  to  acquaint  you,  that  he  is  pleased  to  approve  of 
your  causing  the  pay  due  to  Lieutenant  Connolly  to  be 


It     ' 

11    / 


68 


fi 


m 


./ 


If ,' 


i 


I ' 


i 


Nan'aiivc  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


issued  to  him,  and  of  its  being  continued,  from  time  to 
time,  during  his  absence  on  leave. 
I  am,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient, 

humble  servant, 

J.  TOWNSHEND. 

(Signed) 
Sir  Guy  Carleton,  K.  B. 

It  is  a  duty  incumbent  on  me  to  shew,  that  the  truth  of 
the  foregoing  narrative  need  not  rest  solely  on  my  asser- 
tions, the  following  papers  are  authentic  testimoniala  of  its 
veracity : 

'  I  hereby  certify,  that  Major  John  Connolly  was  appointed 
by  me  to  the  command  of  the  militia  of  West  Augusta 
County,  in  his  Majesty's  colony  of  Virginia;  and  that  he 
exerted  himself  as  a  faithful  officer,  in  the  discharge  of  that 
duty,  until  the  commencement  of  the  rebellion,  when  the 
good  of  the  King's  service,  and  my  own  personal  security, 
obliging  me  to  withdraw  from  the  seat  of  government,  I 
authorized  Major  Connolly  to  adjust  all  differences  with  the 
adjacent  Indian  tribes,  and  to  incline  them  towards  his 
Majesty's  interest.  This  service  appeard  to  me  to  have  been 
well  performed,  from  the  belts  and  speeches  transmitted  by 
their  Chiefs  through  him  to  me,  notwithstanding  that  Com- 
missioners from  the  Assembly  (at  that  time  resolved  into  an 
illegal  convention),  attended  the  treaty  at  Pittsburgh,  in 
order  to  influence  them  to  assist  in  their  meditated  opposi- 
tion, to  the  constitutional  authority  of  this  kingdom. 

Upon  the  performance  of  this  service,  in  conformity  to 
my  direction,  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Major  Con- 
nolly at  Fort  Pitt,  were  discharged  agreeable  to  the  pro- 
vision made  by  the  Act  of  Assembly ;  and  he  repaired  to 
me,  through  much  difficulty,  with  a  zeal  and  alacrity  that 
bespoke  the  firmest  loyalty.  I  immediately  dispatched 
Major  Connolly  to  Boston,  informing  General  Gage  of  the 
situation  of  the  colony  at  that  period;  and  as  Major  Con- 
nolly had  a  formidable  interest  in  the  frontiers,  I  proposed 


n 


u  > 


'li 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyalist. 


59 


liis  nuHiiit^  u  body  of  men  for  his  Majesty's  service  there, 
and  in  the  contiguous  parts  of  Quebec  government,  and  to 
eonmiand  an  expedition,  so  as  to  co-operate  with  me,  for  the 
reduction  of  the  King's  enemies,  for  whicli  purpose  lie  was 
invested  with  a  commission  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Com- 
mandant, bearing  date  the  5th  of  November,  1775,  with  full 
powers  to  act  as  emergencies  might  require.  In  the  exe- 
cution of  this  duty,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Connolly  was  un- 
fortunately made  a  prisoner,  and  contiimed  as  such,  under 
the  inniiediate  direction  of  Congress,  near  five  years,  sutier- 
ing  a  constant  state  of  confinement.  I  further  certify,  that 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Connolly,  from  his  loyalty  and  attach- 
ment to  government,  forfeited  a  very  considerable  sum  of 
money  due  to  him  from  the  Assembly  of  Virginia,  for  his 
public  services  as  an  officer;  and  that  his  estate  was  also 
confiscated ;  four  thousand  acres  of  his  landed  property 
having  been  patented  by  me,  whilst  I  had  the  honour  to 
preside  as  his  Majesty's  representative  in  Virginia.' 
Given  under  my  hand  the  25th  day  of  October,  1782. 
(Signed)  Dunmore. 

'  I  certify,  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Connolly,  came  from 
his  Excellency  the  Earl  of  Dunmore  to  Boston,  in  the  year 
1775,  and  laid  before  me  certain  propositions  for  the  sup- 
pression of  his  Majesty's  enemies  in  the  colony  of  Virginia; 
to  promote  which,  I  gave  orders  to  a  detachment  of  the 
King's  troops,  then  in  the  Illinois,  to  receive  the  directions 
of  Lord  Dunmore ;  and  I  further  certify,  that  in  the  execu- 
tion of  this  duty,  it  was  reported  to  me,  that  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Connolly  was  made  a  prisoner  by  the  enemy,  and 
that  from  every  appearuJice,  he  manifested  the  greatest 
loyalty  and  attachment  to  the  constitutional  authority  of 
government.' 

Given  under  my  hand,  this  30th  day  of  October,  1782. 
(Signed)  Thomas  C Age. 

What  I  have  said  in  this  recapitulation  will  meet,  I  hope, 
on  every  hand,  with  a  candid  construction.  It  is  a  cutting 
reflection  to  find,  on  looking  it  through,  that  it  is  a  tale  of 


i 


mi 

/ 


60 


', ' 


m 


I,' 


'!! 


4i. 


Ndirath-e  of  Jnhn   (hnnolfi/,   Loyttliai. 


n 


KickiioaB  and  miafortunert,  instead  of  a  history  of  fjloriouB 
actions  and  essontijil  services ;  l)ut  the  assiffned  causen  are 
surely  a  sutHoient  upoloiry.     The  eonteniplative  and  humane 
must  commiserate  the  infirmities  of  nature,  whilst  the  mag- 
nanimous and  enti-rprizin^LC  must  dread  similur  impediments 
in  the  pursuit  of  gh)ry.     In  my  own  vindication  I  have  l)een 
ohlifred  to  speak  of  persons  and  things  as  they  were,  hut  I 
hope  this  lias  hecn  done  without  exaggeration  or  malignity. 
I  wisli  not  to  revive  animosities  liacl  I  tlie  power,  nor  to 
complaiji  of  men  who,  whatever  were  their  motives  then 
for  intlicting  severities  upon  me  in  particular,  are  never 
likely  to  have  the  same  cause,  or  the  same  opportunity, 
Tliey,  doubtless,  thought  themselves  acting  virtuously,  and 
would  iilead  the  love  of  their  country,  in  extenuation  of 
errors ;  I  must  do  the  same,  with  this  addition,  my  virtues, 
in  their  eyes,  became  my  crimes;  let  not  my  misfortunes, 
in  the  eye  of  government,  become  my  tauits.     I  shall  con- 
elude,  with  a  few  reflections  on  the  nature  of  the  Provincial 
service,  before  and  during  the  Civil  Wars,  and  of  what  I 
deem  my  consequent  and  reasonable  claims  on  this  country. 
Before  the  dismemberment  of  the  British  empire,  the 
provincial  otHcer  in  Korth  America  knew,  with  precision, 
ui>on  what  footing  he  took  the  field,  to  co-oi)erate  with 
British  troops,  to  prevent  incursion,  or  effect  conquest.     Ilia 
rank  was  determined  by  the  King,  and  wherever  ho  acted 
in  conjunction  with  his  fellow-subjects  of  this  country,  either 
within  his  own  province,  or  in  another  colony,  every  difiiculty 
was  obviated,     lie  was  considered  as  the  junior  officer :  this 
was  evidently  an   equitable  and  a  sufficiently  honourable 
mark  of  Royal  favour.     The  loyalty  that  induced  him  to 
espouse  the  quarrels  of  Britain  in  America,  promoted,  like- 
wise, the  security  of  his  own  property,  and   restored  the 
blessings  of  peace  and  atHuenee  to  himself,  his  friends,  and 
countrymen.      Few  reflected  that  it  was  as  British  colonists 
they  were  involved  in  the  wars  of  Britain,  or  that  a  separate 
system  of  government  could  witlihold  them  from  seconding 
the  interest  of  the  parent  state.     As  Englishmen  they  felt, 
and  as  Englishmen  they  were  ready  to  act :  but  as  the  entire 


h     '  I 


ir  t 


Narrative  of  John  Connolly,  Loyaluit. 


61 


professional  soldier,  select  from  the  body  of  his  fellow-Hub- 
jectfl,  was  but  of  a  temporary  nature,  and  the  return  of  peace 
replace<l  him  in  his  former  happy  station,  it  would  have  been 
unjust  to  have  expected  the  permanent  rank  and  emolunienta 
of  him,  who  devoted  himself  wholly  to  the  possession  of  the 
sword.  It  is  the  imnmnities  of  a  member  of  this  empire, 
founded  upon  the  broad  basis  of  equity  and  justice,  that 
must  give  efficacy  to  reasonable  pretensions. 

In  former  wars,  when  American  subjects  acted  in  con- 
formity to  the  orders  of  their  sovereign,  and  were  commis- 
sioned by  the  royal  representative  to  military  command,  the 
pecuniary  advantages  annexed  to  the  respective  stations  in 
which  they  appeared,  arose  from  the  acts  of  general  as- 
sembly of  the  governments  wherein  they  resided ;  and  this 
provision  more  ample,  or  circumscribed,  depended  upon  tlie 
temper  or  generosity  of  the  difterent  legislatures.     The  late 
unfortunate  dispute,  wherein  not  only  the  prerogative  of 
the  King,  but  the  supremacy  of   the   Parliament  of  his 
Kingdom,  was  the  litigated  cause  between  Britain  and  her 
colonies,  and  in  the  maintenance  of  which,  the  American 
loyalist  who  attempted  to  support  this  system  as  constitu- 
tional, took  an  active  part,  changed  totally  the  nature  of  his 
political  connexions.     Cut  off  from  his  former  dependance 
l)y  the  issue  of  the  war,  excluded  from  the  privileges  of  the 
community  to  which  he  belonged,  and  deprived  of  his  prop- 
erty as  a  mark  of  its  displeasure  and  disapprobation  of  his 
conduct,  to  whom  can  he  apply  for  retribution,  but  to  that 
power  which  has  been  the  source  of  his  misfortunes  ?     Or 
liow  can  he  be  more  honourably  or  equitably  treated  in  the 
society  to  which  he  is  now  attached,  than  by  a  provision  in 
that  line  by  which  he  became  a  sufferer.     Congress  have 
asserted,  that  we  were  destined  by  Britain  to  be  hewers  of 
wood,  and  drawers  of  water.     The  time  is  now  arrived, 
when  ample  opportunity  is  allowed  to  contradict  this  un- 
generous aspersion,  and  full  scope  given  to  the  exercise  of 
that  generosity  of  disposition  and  liberality  of  sentiment, 
for  which  I  hope  this  nation  will  forever  appear  as  the 
tuirest  candidate.     The  peculiarity  of  my  case  is  without 


i 


i 


■fi 


I   ! 


n 


02 


Narrative  of  John  ComioUy,  Loyalist. 


parallel,  and  my  pretensions,  if  as  successful  as  just  can 
afford  no  precedent.  The  troops  to  be  raised  under  my 
orders,  both  from  Canada  and  Virt?inia,  must  illustrate  the 
conditions  upon  which  I  entered  the  service,  and  plairdy 
shew  that  my  intended  operations  were  not  merely  Colonial, 
as  an  inhabitant  of  Virginia,  but  that  from  the  St  Lawrence 
to  the  Mississippi,  I  was  equally  ready  to  obey  the  royal 
niandate.  Commissioned  as  Lieutenant-Colonel,  uncondi- 
tionally by  the  King's  representative,  at  the  commencement 
of  the  rebellion,  and  taken  in  the  execution  of  my  duty  as 
a  faithful  servant  of  the  Crown,  held  in  captivity  five  years 
by  the  enemy,  to  prevent  the  efforts  of  my  capacity,  to  dis- 
regard my  claim,  as  the  consequence  of  such  misfortunes, 
my  suft'erings,  my  zeal,  and  loyalty,  must  then  operate  as 
my  greatest  faults ;  and  what  I  ever  flattered  myself,  must 
argue  in  my  favour,  would  unexpectly  complete  the  measure 
of  my  disappointment  from  captivity. 

Upon  my  relcasement,  as  the  war  Avas  changed  from  an 
offensive  to  defensive  one,  in  the  Northern  Colonies,  and 
the  prospect  of  raising  a  corps  in  circumscribed  limits 
where  I  had  no  particular  interest,  but  faint  and  unprom- 
ising, the  Conmiander  in  Chief,  sensible  of  the  hardness  of 
my  case,  was  pleased  to  confirm  my  rank  in  the  provincial 
line.  And  I  must  beg  leave  to  offer  my  being  fully  sub- 
sisted as  Lieut.  Col.  and  which  I  yet  continue  to  receive,  as 
a  corroborating  proof  of  my  merits,  and  the  propriety  of 
my  present  requisition. 

Li  fact,  feeling  as  I  do,  the  cause  of  exultation  the  dis- 
appointment would  afford  my  political  enemies,  and  the 
oblique  implied  reflection  upon  my  character,  from  a  treat- 
ment less  distinguishing  than  my  loyal  countrymen  of  the 
same  rank,  I  must  beg  leave  to  insinuate,  that  I  can  receive 
no  adequate  reconipcnce  through  any  other  channel.  A 
compensation  for  my  loss  of  estate  is,  in  that  case,  all  I 
require;  and  I  shall  endeavour  to  support  this  unmerited 
adversity,  with  that  conscious  dignity  of  mind,  which  I 
hope  will  never  forsake  me,  and  iiui  manner  the  least  excep- 
*>'"^'''''*'-  John  Connolly. 


I 


'I 


